It was a high speech of Seneca (after the manner of the Stoics), that 'The good things which belong to prosperity are to be wished, but the good things that belong to adversity are to be admired.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Prosperity brings things we should hope for, but adversity brings things we should respect and value.
- In plain terms
- Good times give us wishes; hard times give us wisdom worth admiring.
- What can you take from it?
- Value what you gain from difficulties, not just what comes easily.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What did hardship teach you that comfort never could?
- Do you honor your struggles as much as your successes?
Another view
Not everyone finds value in adversity; some are crushed by it.
More from Francis Bacon
It is yet a higher speech of his than the other, 'It is true greatness to have in one the frailty of a man and the security of a god.'
Permalink to quote #74 Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament; adversity is the blessing of the New.
Permalink to quote #76 Certainly, in taking revenge, a man is but even with his enemy; but in passing it over, he is superior; for it is a prince's part to pardon.
Permalink to quote #73
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