[jdbernard]

There is truth in the original saying. Adversity creates the conditions and provides the motivation that spur people to develop strength they would not have needed otherwise. However, adversity is a very blunt instrument, and it is also a matter of degree. People don't always respond positively to adversity. And if the hardship is too great, it doesn't lead to opportunities for growth, just trauma.

That's one of the reasons we need safety nets, to dull the hardship to the point where we can grow through it and not be crushed under it.