The Master said, "When the year becomes cold, then we know how the pine and the cypress are the last to lose their leaves."
子曰、歲寒、然後知松柏之後彫也。
Analects 9.28
The same idea in other traditions
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Wait on the LORD; Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for the LORD.
As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind, wise people falter not amidst blame and praise.
So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: Verily, with every difficulty there is relief.
By conquering anger he obtains patience; he acquires no Karman productive of anger, and destroys the Karman he had acquired before.
Give me the cup! a voice rings in mine ears / Crying: “Bear patiently the bitter years! / For all thine ills, I send thee heavenly grace. …
Let patience be your purpose in life; implant this within your being. In this way, you will grow into a great river; you will not break off into a tiny stream.
Your business is with action alone; not by any means with fruit. Let not the fruit of action be your motive (to action). Let not your attachment be (fixed) on inaction.