“Misfortune shows those who are not really friends.”
Eudemian Ethics, Book VII, 1238a.20
Eudemian Ethics
“For showing loyalty in the midst of prosperity calls for no particular admiration, but always, if men show themselves steadfast when friends have fallen upon misfortunes, this is remembered for all times.”
— Xenophon
Hellenica Bk. 4, as translated by Carleton L. Brownson (1918)
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Xenophon21
ancient Greek historian and philosopher -430–-354 BCRelated quotes
“Prosperity doth bewitch men, seeming clear;
But seas do laugh, show white, when rocks are near.”
Act V, scene vi.
The White Devil (1612)
Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881) British Conservative politician, writer, aristocrat and Prime Minister
Part 1, Chapter 13; sometimes paraphrased: "Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth."
Books, Coningsby (1844), Contarini Fleming (1832)
Anatole France book The Revolt of the Angels
Source: The Revolt of the Angels (1914), Ch. XXXV
Context: The garrison laid down their arms before Satan. Michael placed his flaming sword at the feet of the conquering archangel.
"Take back your sword, Michael," said Satan. "It is Lucifer who yields it to you. Bear it in defence of peace and law." Then letting his gaze fall on the leaders of the celestial cohorts, he cried in a ringing voice:
"Archangel Michael, and you, Powers, Thrones, and Dominations, swear all of you to be faithful to your God."
"We swear it," they replied with one voice.
And Satan said:
"Powers, Thrones, and Dominations, of all past wars, I wish but to remember the invincible courage that you displayed and the loyalty which you rendered to authority, for these assure me of the steadfastness of the fealty you have just sworn to me."
Alexis De Tocqueville book Democracy in America
Book Three, Chapter I.
Democracy in America, Volume II (1840), Book Three
Context: In democratic ages men rarely sacrifice themselves for another, but they show a general compassion for all the human race. One never sees them inflict pointless suffering, and they are glad to relieve the sorrows of others when they can do so without much trouble to themselves. They are not disinterested, but they are gentle.
Orson Scott Card (1951) American science fiction novelist
Source: The Tales of Alvin Maker, Alvin Journeyman (1995), Chapter 14.
