Why Suffering Is Good

“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And weak men create hard times.” I really like this quote. This is an excerpt from G. Michael Hopf’s novel, Those Who Remain, a post-apocalyptic story that looks at the challenges and struggles of surviving in a world devastated by a catastrophic event. The central theme focuses on the resilience and determination of the human spirit when faced with overwhelming adversity.

The Generational Theory

Hopf’s quote was inspired by the Strauss-Howe generational theory which suggests that history moves in cycles, and are shaped by the patterns of generations. This theory breaks down these cycles of growth and decline that repeat over time. Each generation grows up in different environments, which influence how they see the world and react to events. This cycle of generations helps explain why certain types of historical events and societal changes tend to repeat every few decades.

Hopf suggests that too much comfort can stop people and societies from getting strong and ready for tough times. Without challenges, people don't learn how to handle hard situations. So, when hard times do come, a society used to comfort might struggle more, leading to a cycle where good times make people weaker, and then tough times hit harder. This pattern means without some difficulty, societies can't stay strong and steady for long.