What does this quote mean?

“These are the times that try men's souls.”

Crisis reveals commitment because principles become costly to maintain precisely when fear, fatigue, and uncertainty make retreat easier.

Source note: Opening of The American Crisis No. I; Paine addresses perseverance during a difficult stage of the American Revolution.

“Courage cannot be cast down by adversity.”

Courage is defined by what survives difficulty: adversity may create pressure, but it does not have to decide the person’s response.

Source note: The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus, saying 595, D. Lyman Jr. translation (1856).

“For manliness gains much strength by being challenged.”

Difficulty can exercise courage the way resistance exercises a muscle, giving strength an opportunity to become practiced rather than theoretical.

Source note: Moral Letters to Lucilius, Letter 13, section 3, Richard M. Gummere translation.

“No scar is dishonorable which is a mark of our courage.”

A visible consequence of hardship need not be shameful when it records endurance or brave action rather than failure of character.

Source note: The Moral Sayings of Publius Syrus, saying 586, D. Lyman Jr. translation (1856).

“We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.”

Difficulty creates occasions to practice courage and patience that a life containing only ease would never require.

Source note: The Story of My Life; Keller reflects on what adversity can teach without pretending that suffering itself is desirable.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee.”

The answer to fear is not a promise of an effortless situation but assurance of presence and support inside difficulty.

Source note: Isaiah 41:10 in the King James Version; opening reassurance of the verse.