"The difference between a misfortune and a calamity is this: If Gladstone fell into the Thames, it would be a misfortune. But if someone dragged him out again, that would be a calamity"

This quote by Benjamin Disraeli is an amusing method of illustrating the distinction between a bad luck and a disaster. A misery is a regrettable occasion that takes place to someone, such as Gladstone falling under the Thames. However, a calamity is an event that is even worse than a misfortune, such as somebody dragging Gladstone out of the Thames. Disraeli is suggesting that the latter would be a much even worse result than the previous. This quote is a funny method of highlighting the difference in between a misery and a disaster, and how one can be even worse than the other. It likewise serves as a pointer that in some cases, the very best thing to do is to leave well sufficient alone.