Character and Conduct – 13 January – Circumstances

OCCASION is the father of most that is good in us.   As you have seen the awkward fingers and clumsy tools of a prisoner cut and fashion the most delicate little pieces of carved work;  or achieve the most prodigious underground labours, and cut through walls of masonry, and saw iron bars and fetters;  ’tis misfortune that awakens ingenuity, or fortitude or endurance, in hearts where these qualities had never come to life but for the circumstance which gave them a being.

Esmond, W. M. THACKERAY

IT always remains true that if we had been greater, circumstances would have been less strong against us.

G. ELIOT

A CONSIDERATION of petty circumstances is the tomb of great things.

VOLTAIRE

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These quotes are from ‘Character and Conduct’ A selection of helpful thoughts from various authors arranged for daily reading.

Collected by Constance M Whishaw and first published in 1905 as a follow up to her volume of Daily Readings for members of the Being and Doing Guild who asked for an additional volume

In her preface Whishaw writes:

‘This collection of noble thoughts expressed by men and women of past and present ages who have endeavoured to leave the world a little better than they found it.’

It is my hope in publishing the her readers may be inspired to imitate the example of the authors.