Literary Quote of the Day: Catharine Maria Sedgwick

Today’s quote is from Catharine Maria Sedgwick’s A Reminiscence of Federalism.

It is a common doctrine, but one not favorable to virtue, that characters are formed by circumstances. If it be true, my friend Randolph was a noble exception; his character controlled circumstances; and, by the best of all alchymy, he extracted wholesome food out of the materials that might have been poison to others

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Why this quote? Because I believe that this is how we all should be. Rule circumstances, don’t let circumstances rule you.

And:

‘Ah, my dear Fanny, adversity, though a “stern and rugged nurse” she be, enforces a discipline that makes us early wise. Heaven grant that her furnace may not be heated so hot as to consume instead of purifying.’

Randolph to his love, Fanny.

As always, share your thoughts on this quote in the comment section of this post (or drop off one of your own favorite quotes).

P.S.
This is a great read for those who think that the partisan divide is something new.