A man accustomed to vicissitudes is not easily dejected.
—Samuel Johnson, The History of Rasselas: Prince of Abyssinia
Men seldom give pleasure, where they are not pleased themselves; it is necessary, therefore, to cultivate an habitual alacrity and cheerfulness, that in whatever state we may be placed by Providence, whether we are appointed to confer or receive benefits, to implore or to afford protection, we may secure the love of those with whom we transact.
—Samuel Johnson, The Rambler
