Aristotle, 9.
The Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers (c. 200 A.D.), Book 5: The Peripatetics
“Learning is an ornament in prosperity, a refuge in adversity, and a provision in old age.”
“Education is an ornament for the prosperous, a refuge for the unfortunate.”
Freeman (1948), p. 161
“In the day of prosperity we have many refuges to resort to; in the day of adversity, only one.”
Source: Dictionary of Burning Words of Brilliant Writers (1895), P. 7.
“Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them.”
Maxim 872
Sentences, The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus, a Roman Slave
“Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament; adversity is the blessing of the New.”
Of Adversity
Essays (1625)
“There is no education like adversity.”
Source: Books, Coningsby (1844), Endymion (1880), Ch. 61.
(Often shortened to "can't stand prosperity" as an unknown quote).
1840s, Heroes and Hero-Worship (1840), The Hero as Man of Letters
“Remorse sleeps during a prosperous period but wakes up in adversity.”
Le remords s'endort durant un destin prospère et s'aigrit dans l'adversité.
Variant translations: Remorse sleeps during prosperity but awakes bitter consciousness during adversity.
Remorse goes to sleep during a prosperous period and wakes up in adversity.
Source: Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1765-1770; published 1782), Books II-VI, II
“For friendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it.”
Nam et secundas res splendidiores facit amicitia et adversas partiens communicansque leviores.
Section 22
Laelius De Amicitia – Laelius On Friendship (44 BC)
“In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity we know our friends.”
