Philosophy Friday: The Easy Life Without Adversity

Do you have one of those irritating friends for whom everything always works out? At school or university, they partied hard and didn’t study yet still got excellent grades. Now, without really trying, they are on the fast track in their careers. They make rash, unthinking choices yet land on their feet anyway. When the market was depressed, they bought and then sold when prices went sky-high—just before the collapse.

Is it any wonder we’re a little envious? They do have The Good Life.

The ancient Stoic philosophers would disagree. Here is what they had to say about the easy life, as well as facing adversity:

“I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune. You have passed through life without an opponent—no one can ever know what you are capable of, not even you.” — Seneca

“The true man is revealed in difficult times. So when trouble comes, think of yourself as a wrestler whom God, like a trainer, has paired with a tough young buck. For what purpose? To turn you into Olympic-class material.” — Epictetus

“No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.” — Seneca

“Constant misfortune brings this one blessing: to whom it always assails, it eventually fortifies.” — Seneca

“Fire is the test of gold; adversity of strong men.” — Seneca

Lady Fortune can smile on anyone; there is no skill in being lucky.

Persisting on your course when the going gets tough—now that is an admirable quality. When you achieve what you set out—after facing obstacle after obstacle—that belongs entirely to you. You did this; Good luck didn’t merely hand this win to you. You had to stick it out and fight for it. Not everyone could have done this—many would have thrown in the towel long ago. Bravely enduring adversity and persevering—now that is a brilliant thing.

If you had to choose, would you pick the lucky, easy life or one rounded out with challenges and adversity?