Better be wise by the misfortunes of others than by your own. Aesop
My life has been full of terrible misfortunes most of which never happened. Michel de Montaigne
History is indeed little more than the register of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes of mankind. Edward Gibbon
A man who cannot tolerate small misfortunes can never accomplish great things. Chinese Proverb
Misfortunes hasten age. English Proverb
People will ignore their misfortunes and their interests when they are in competition with their pleasures. French Proverb