The bravest sight in the world is to see a great man struggling against adversity.

Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that setbacks and griefs which endure help us in our march forward.

Individuals are the sum of their unique experiences, challenges, and accomplishments. What matters is not the barriers they face, but how they choose to confront them. And their race is not to blame for everything—good or bad—that happens in their lives.

When the world pushes you to your knees, you’re in the perfect position to pray.

No garden is without its weeds.

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed.

I hope you live a life you're proud of. If you find that you are not, I hope you have the strength to start all over again.

No man will ever bring out the Presidency the reputation which carries him into it.

But the bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding go out to meet it.

In this age, the man who dares to think for himself and to act independently does a service to his race.

What though strength fails? Boldness is certain to win praise. In mighty enterprises, it is enough to have had the determination.

Our lives are like islands in the sea, or like trees in the forest. The maple and the pine may whisper to each other with their leaves . . . But the trees also commingle their roots in the darkness underground, and the islands also hang together through the ocean's bottom.

Give us grace and strength to forbear and to persevere. Give us courage and gaiety and the quiet mind, spare to us our friends, soften to us our enemies.

Old age is no place for sissies.

Plans will get you into things, but you have got to work your way out.

Some people believe holding on and hanging in there are signs of great strength. However, there are times when it takes much more strength to know when to let go and then do it.

Peace is not the absence of war, but a virtue based on strength of character.