Is adversity necessary for the development of character?

Answer 1

Absolutely and unequivocably: Yes.

I've had my share of adversity and I have learned a lot about how to deal with people because of it. Without these challenges I think I would be less of a person.

Answer 2

In a way. But compassion for the adversity of others is sufficient. Many people who were born with the proverbial silver spoon are nevertheless kind and generous, and do much to alleviate suffering in the world. Others are cold and selfish. So it goes.

And remember that poverty does not necessarily make a person a saint. Many people who are poor or unhealthy or otherwise facing great adversity become bitter and selfish, justify stealing and cheating of all sorts, and are not developing into a good character at all. Others accept the challenge to improve their lot, recognize their personal responsibility to do their best, and become very admirable people indeed.

Answer 3

Depends how you define "character". Are you saying that those who suffer no adversity are completely devoid of any sort of personality?

I'd imagine that is neither true nor possible. Nobody has an absolutely perfect life. We all find adversity in the world, irrespective of its supposed scale or significance.

Adversity builds strength.... It builds resistance...
... But without adversity, we wouldn't need strength anyway... so the point is moot.


We do what we can.... no more and no less.

Adversity doesn't build character; it is how we choose to deal with it that does.

Answer 4

Whether or not adversity is necessary to character development, and doubtlessly it is, at least to a degree, adversity is inevitable in life due to the prevalence of negativity of experience in a system where mortality is universal. Whether one is born into poverty or with the proverbial silver spoon in his/her mouth, whether one is born disabled, with congenital deformities, or is considered an utter beauty, whether one is born mentally challenged or as a genius, during a lifetime, everyone will be confronted with illness, death of loved ones, failure in interpersonal relationships and in goal achievements at various stages of his or her existence. You have only to delve into the personal lives of celebrities to determine that, regardless of their accrued wealth, the adoration of their fans, their talents and apparent good fortune, their lives are fraught with adversities, many of those of their own making!!

Answer 5

Yes. We need challenges in order to test ourselves and grow. As it says in the Talmud, without the Yetzer HaRa, the evil inclination, against which man must struggle each and every day, there would be no virtue. It was only after he disassociated himself from the pampered life of a prince that Siddhartha Gautama began to discover what life was really about, which led him to become the Buddha.

"To be tested is good. The challenged life may be the best therapist." ~ Gail Sheehy

Answer 6

If you take a plant that has been grown in ideal greenhouse conditions and set it out next to a plant of the same species that has been exposed to all types of weather, wind, drought, which to you think has the best chance for survival?

I think it’s the same with us. People who have lived very sheltered lives free from difficulty never have a chance to develop character.

Answer 7

I don't think it would be possible to enjoy life if you haven't had to have adversity. You cant enjoy the good if you havent felt the bad.

Answer 8

The way things are now-a-days adversity is more likely to ruin character than strengthen it..........

Answer 9

It's an untestable hypothesis - who has a life free of adversity?

Answer 10

Of course! That is how we grow and receive blessings. How boring this life would be without adversity and growth in our faith and character. Godloveya.