Prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Success often reveals selfishness while hardship shows true character and strength.
- In plain terms
- Good times show flaws and bad times show strength.
- What can you take from it?
- Use hardship to identify true character.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who showed virtue during your hardest time?
- What does your success reveal?
Another view
Some people perform virtue strategically in both good and bad times.
More from Francis Bacon
Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes; and adversity is not without comforts and hopes.
Permalink to quote #77 Virtue is like precious odors - most fragrant when they are incensed or crushed.
Permalink to quote #79 Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament; adversity is the blessing of the New.
Permalink to quote #76
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