Life is not always what one wants it to be, but to make the best of it, as it is, is the only way of being happy.
The English know how to make the best of things. Their so-called muddling through is simply skill at dealing with the inevitable.
I make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes.
We cannot conquer fate and necessity, yet we can yield to them in such a manner as to be greater than if we could.
The idea came to me that I was, am, and will be, but perhaps will not become. This did not scare me. There was for me in being an intensity I did not feel in becoming.
Here is a rule to remember when anything tempts you to feel bitter: not, "This is a misfortune," but "To bear this worthily is good fortune."
There is no good in arguing with the inevitable. The only argument available with an east wind is to put on your overcoat.
Trouble will come soon enough, and when he does come receive him as pleasantly as possible ... the more amiably you greet him, the sooner he will go away.
Adapt yourself to the things among which your lot has been cast and love sincerely the fellow creatures with whom destiny has ordained that you shall live.
When we accept tough jobs as a challenge to our ability and wade into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles can happen.
Love only what befalls you and is spun for you by fate.
What you can't get out of, get into wholeheartedly.
Let us train our minds to desire what the situation demands.
Ride the horse in the direction that it's going.
If one has to submit, it is wasteful not to do so with the best grace possible.
Since God has been pleased to give us the Papacy, let us enjoy it.
It is no use to grumble and complain; It's just as cheap and easy to rejoice; When God sorts out the weather and sends rain-Why, rain's my choice.
When a dog runs at you, whistle for him.
An oak and a reed were arguing about their strength. When a strong wind came up, the reed avoided being uprooted by bending and leaning with the gusts of wind. But the oak stood firm and was torn up by the roots.
The grass must bend when the wind blows across it.
