[hnisgroupthink]

Why do you think that experiencing suffering lets you experience pleasure more readily?

I think it just sounds good. Most people who experience significant suffering can be damaged beyond repair.

The shell shocked war vet doesn't necessarily see life as more beautiful afterwards.

[CuriouslyC]

Research demonstrates that it's true in the short term. The long term is another matter. There are plenty of anecdotes about people who grow up with nothing who are more resilient to deprivation as adults because of it, but PTSD is a real thing too, so clearly the situation is complex.