“When Goethe says that in every human condition foes lie in wait for us, "invincible only by cheerfulness and equanimity," he does not mean that we can at all times be really cheerful, or at a moment's notice; but that the endeavor to look at the better side of things will produce the habit, and that this habit is the surest safeguard against the danger of sudden evils.” HumansLooksMeanDoeMomentsLyingEvilWaitingSidesConditionsDangerProduceHabitAll TimeEndeavorHuman ConditionCheerfulFoeInvincibleCheerfulnessEquanimity Book:Table-talk: To which are added Imaginary conversations of Pope and Swift Source: Table-talk: To which are added Imaginary conversations of Pope and Swift
“Life is getting through the moment. The philosopher William James says to cultivate the cheerful attitude. Now nobody had more trouble than he did -- except me. I had more trouble in my life than anybody. But your first big trouble can be a bonanza if you live through it. Get through the first trouble, you'll probably make it through the next one.” IfsFirstsMomentsBigsLife IsNextAttitudeTroublePhilosopherCheerfulThe Next One Author:Ruth Gordon