Prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue.
Man’s character and conduct is often largely governed by his environment and circumstances. The mixed strands of good and evil embedded in his nature are drawn out by the circumstances through which he has to pass. Experience shows that in times of prosperity, ease and luxury, man’s basic nature gets the upper hand whereas in adverse circumstances, the best in him comes to the surface. Nations, which gave themselves upto a life of ease and pleasure, rapidly declined, whereas those, which had to face ordeal after ordeal, emerged hardier and more powerful than ever. It is in times of difficulty that a man exerts himself utmost, and reaches unsuspected heights of endurance and work, whereas in easy times, the sturdier part of his nature remains dormant and begins to deteriorate. A rich man, with plenty of money, often gives himself up to sensual pleasures, but a poor man leads a straightforward hard life so that he may keep his body and soul together.
