Nothing is more durable than the dynasty of Doubt; for he reigns in the hearts of all his people, but gives satisfaction to none of them, and yet he is the only despot who can never die, while any of his subjects live.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
It is not until we have passed through the furnace that we are made to know how much dross there is in our composition.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Adversity reveals our true nature and weaknesses.
This quote suggests that challenges and hardships ('the furnace') serve to expose the flaws and impurities ('dross') within ourselves. It's through difficult experiences that we gain insight into our true character and areas we need to improve upon.
Themes
AdversitySelf-DiscoveryChallengesGrowthCharacter
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles.
More from Charles Caleb Colton
All quotes βIt is astonishing how much more people are interested in lengthening life than improving it.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
The benevolent have the advantage of the envious, even in this present life; for the envious man is tormented not only by all the ill that befalls himself, but by all the good that happens to another; whereas the benevolent man is the better prepared to bear his own calamities unruffled, from the complacency and serenity he has secured from contemplating the prosperity of all around him.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Happiness, that grand mistress of the ceremonies in the dance of life, impels us through all its mazes and meanderings, but leads none of us by the same route.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Our minds are as different as our faces. We are all traveling to one destination: happiness, but few are going by the same road.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Similar quotes
Iβve been through all this before,β he says to his heart. β βYes, you have been through all this before,β replies his heart. βBut you have never been beyond it.
Paulo CoelhoRead
Let the fruition of things bless the possession of them, and take no satisfaction in dying but living rich.
Thomas BrowneRead
Every man needs a blind eye and a deaf ear, so when people applaud, you'll only hear half of it, and when people salute, you'll only see part of it. Believe only half the praise and half the criticism.
Charles SpurgeonRead
You can be deprived of your money, your job and your home by someone else, but remember that no one can ever take away your honor.
William Lyon PhelpsRead
Only make decisions that support your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth.
Oprah WinfreyRead
Just when we most need to be clearheaded, in order to face the hard facts before us, there is all too frequently a very real inclination to give way to dangerous tendencies merely as an escape from realities.
William Lyon Mackenzie KingRead