The world's a nettle. Disturb it, it stings. Grasp it firmly, it stings not.
Source: In My Favorite Quotations, by Norman Vincent Peale, 1990.
-- Edward G Bulwer-Lytton, (May 25 1803-1873), English statesman, poet; He is chiefly remembered as a prolific novelist and his skill in anticipating and satisfying changes in public taste.