[js8]

"How exactly did you get to the conclusion that fascism needs "strong men"?"

Fascists (and protofascist advocates of social darwinism) do think that! Whether they actually are or not "strong men" (what does it even mean?) is immaterial to that saying.

I disagree with the saying. Even your formulation. Hardship doesn't breed discipline, and prosperity doesn't lead to complacency. There are many disciplined people who have good and prosperous life, and also, why is being disciplined more important than good life? It's authoritarian and backwards.

For example, being homeless (hardship) doesn't make one disciplined. Most likely, it will make one into an alcoholic.

Hardship is horrible and we should universally reject it.