Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.

Washington Irving (1783-1859) American author [pseud. for Geoffrey Crayon]
“Philip of Pokanoket : An Indian Memoir,” The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon (1819–20)

Sometimes presented in a longer form: "Great minds have purposes, others have wishes. Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them." This version, as quoted by Elbert Hubbard, is found as early as 1897, but has not been located in Irving's works.

 
Added on 9-Nov-11 | Last updated 9-Nov-11
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