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Befall Quotes

Quotes on fate, misfortune, and what life can bring

These quotes explore the many things that can befall us, from a child's misfortune to sudden Accidents that arrive at the worst possible moment.

I have no name: I am but two days old. What shall I call thee? I happy am, Joy is my name. Sweet joy befall thee!

Quotes by William Blake

Few misfortunes can befall a boy which bring worse consequence than to have a really affectionate mother.

Quotes by W. Somerset Maugham

I've become a professional failure - in order to pay the mortgage I have to remain unemployed. Luckily, a disaster always seems to befall me at exactly the right moment.

Quotes by Toby Young

There are too many accidents that can befall life on a single planet.

Quotes by Stephen Hawking

Accidents Quotes

A healthy human environment is one in which we try to make sense of our limits, of the accidents that can always befall us and the passage of time which inexorably changes us.

Quotes by Rowan Williams

Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence.

Quotes by Pope John Paul II

Submit to the present evil, lest a greater one befall you.

Quotes by Phaedrus

No worse fate can befall a young man or woman than becoming prematurely entrenched in prudence and negation.

Quotes by Knut Hamsun

Take a course in good water and air; and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you.

Quotes by John Muir

Alone Quotes

England has not wholly escaped the curse which must ever befall a free government which holds extensive provinces in subjection; for, although she has not lost her liberty or fallen into anarchy, yet we behold the population of England crushed...

Quotes by John C. Calhoun

What shall befall me in the pursuance of this work, I refer to the disposal of Almighty God, whose glory is dearer to me, not only than my liberty, but than my life.

Quotes by John Biddle

It was our view of the worst that could befall our people if they were taken captive. So, what was fascinating to me was that somehow it appears the techniques that we have feared most in the world would be...

Quotes by Jane Mayer

I lost my sleep, and this is the greatest tragedy that can befall someone. It is much worse than sitting in prison.

Quotes by Emil Cioran

When we have done our best, we can, as a united people, take whatever may befall with calm courage and confidence that this old nation will survive and if death should come to many of us, death is not the...

Quotes by Eamon de Valera

Always Quotes

In the early days of the New England colonies, no more embarrassing or hampering condition, no greater temporal ill, could befall any adult Puritan than to be unmarried.

Quotes by Alice Morse Earle

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "befall" mean in these quotes?
"Befall" means to happen to someone, often unexpectedly - these quotes mostly use it for misfortune, like a childhood mishap or a sudden setback, though one uses it for good luck instead.
Do these quotes focus mainly on bad luck?
Mostly, yes - several describe disaster or hardship striking someone, but one poetic line uses "befall" to wish joy upon a newborn, showing the word can carry good fortune too.
Is there a lighter, funnier take among these quotes?
Yes - one jokes about being a "professional failure" who is saved by disaster striking at exactly the right moment, turning bad luck into comic timing.
How do these quotes relate to Accidents quotes?
One quote worries about the many Accidents that could befall life on a single planet, linking fate to real physical risk and vulnerability.
Who are these quotes attributed to?
The page draws from varied speakers reflecting on fortune, from a poetic blessing on a newborn to a comedian's wry take on failure - we don't attribute names beyond what's in the text itself.

Whether it's a poet's blessing of joy or a comedian's punchline about bad luck, these lines remind us fate isn't Always fair. Browse our Best quotes collection for more perspective on life's twists.