Commonplace Book

'...it is the things which we cannot do that we are called upon to do in this life - not the things which we can. How often we notice that sickness is sent to those who lay unnecessary stress upon the advantage of bodily health, and poverty to those who set undue store upon the possession of riches; while such as exaggerate the happiness of human companionship are doomed to a solitary life, and such as crave inordinately for fame and distinction are condemned to ineffective obscurity.'

from In Subjection by Ellen Thorneycroft Fowler (Chapter XXIV)