A muddied diamond is better than an unsullied pebble.

A tree does not stop growing because the wind blew off a few of its leaves.

A rose's beautiful scent is extracted only when it is crushed.

Your strength doesn't come from winning. It comes from struggles and hardship. Everything that you go through prepares you for the next level.

Nearly every man who develops an idea works at it up to the point where it looks impossible, and then gets discouraged. That's not the place to become discouraged.

They say President Wilson has blundered. Perhaps he has, but I notice he usually blunders forward.

The very contradictions in my life are in some ways signs of God's mercy to me.

The more you try to avoid suffering, the more you suffer, because smaller and more insignificant things begin to torture you, in proportion to your fear of being hurt. The one who does most to avoid suffering is, in the end, the one who suffers most.

The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly it is dearness only that gives everything its value. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death.

These are the times that try men's souls...yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives every thing value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods.

The principles of living greatly include the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and trial with humility.

God sweetens outward pain with inward peace.