Recession, recession, recession. As if founding isn’t hard enough! We’ve written recently about how you can prepare yourself for an especially difficult year in the marketplace, and even about how such challenges can be good for startups. Still, it’s going to be a tough slog. Looking into the weekend, I thought we could all use a little inspiration. Here are a few historic thoughts on the strength, benefits and beauty to be found in the challenges you face every day as a founder:

“Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which, under prosperous conditions, may have remained dormant…It is courage, courage, courage, that raises the blood of life to crimson splendor. Live bravely and present a brave front to adversity.” — Horace

“Every adversity, every failure and every heartache carries with it the Seed of an equivalent or a greater Benefit.”
— Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

“When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.”
— Peter Marshall

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… . You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” — Walt Disney