The pessimist complains about ...

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.
The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.
 William Arthur Ward

More phrases

If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.
What a distressing contrast there is between the radiant intelligence of the child and the feeble mentality of the average adult.
We are masters of the unsaid words, but slaves of those we let slip out.
I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.
A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.

Quotes from the same author

When we seek to discover the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.
 William Arthur Ward
Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records.
 William Arthur Ward
Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.
 William Arthur Ward
Do more than dream: work.
 William Arthur Ward
Lose yourself in generous service and every day can be a most unusual day, a triumphant day, an abundantly rewarding day!
 William Arthur Ward