We become wiser by adversity; prosperity destroys our appreciation of the right.
Seneca
Friendship, of itself a holy tie, Is made more sacred by adversity
Charles Caleb Colton
Adversity has the same effect on a man that severe training has on the pugilist: it reduces him to his fighting weight.
Josh Billings
Adversity is the state in which man mostly easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then.
John Wooden
He knows not his own strength that hath not met adversity.
Cesare Pavese
Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men.
Martha Graham
Adversity is a great teacher, but this teacher makes us pay dearly for its instruction; and often the profit we derive, is not worth the price we paid.
Elizabeth Hardwick
Prosperity tries the fortunate: adversity the great
Rose F. Kennedy
He that can heroically endure adversity will bear prosperity with equal greatness of soul; for the mind that cannot be dejected by the former is not likely to be transported with the later
Henry Fielding
Live as brave men and face adversity with stout hearts.
Horace
Adversity, if a man is set down to it by degrees, is more supportable with equanimity by most people than any great prosperity arrived at in a single lifetime
Samuel Butler
Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater.
William Hazlitt