Embracing Adversity: The Value of Hard Things in Life and Philosophy
Episode #333
In life, there is a recurring theme: challenges and hardships. The age-old wisdom found in Stoicism and Christianity alike teaches us not just to endure these challenges, but to embrace them. This idea of "rejoicing in adversity" may seem counterintuitive in a world that often seeks comfort, ease, and instant gratification. Yet, these philosophies highlight that real growth, strength, and meaning are often born in adversity. Embracing hard things not only builds character but also allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Strength and Bearing: The Cornerstones of Stoicism and Christianity
In both Stoicism and Christianity, the concept of strength is deeply intertwined with adversity. Strength is not merely physical but also mental and spiritual—the ability to endure, persevere, and bear the weight of life's challenges with grace. For the Stoic, this strength is about maintaining equanimity and reason even when the world feels heavy. Marcus Aurelius, the great Stoic philosopher, frequently reminded himself to focus on what he could control and to bear everything else with dignity. In Christianity, this strength is reflected in the notion of carrying one's cross—bearing suffering with faith, knowing that there is a greater good behind it.
Both traditions value strength because it allows us to bear the burdens of life for something greater than ourselves. It’s about seeing beyond immediate discomfort or pain and understanding the long-term benefits and lessons that come from adversity. Whether it’s a personal trial or a shared hardship, bearing it well fosters inner strength and resilience.
Worthiness and Focus: Not Everything Hard is Worth Doing
One key distinction that arises when discussing hard things is that while many valuable tasks are hard, not all hard tasks are valuable. In both Stoicism and Christianity, discernment plays a role. We must distinguish between what is worth our energy and what is not. Epictetus, another Stoic philosopher, reminds us that our primary task is to focus on what is within our control and to disregard distractions that pull us away from our higher purpose. In other words, not all adversity is worth rejoicing in—sometimes, it is a distraction from what truly matters.
The concept of worthiness highlights this point. Hard work and effort are necessary for anything valuable, but one must ensure that the task aligns with one’s strengths and values. There is a difference between simply doing something hard for the sake of it and doing something that is challenging but meaningful. For example, tackling a problem that aligns with your skills and aspirations is not just a challenge but an opportunity for growth.
The Payoff of Difficulty: Growth and Competence
Another crucial point is the relationship between difficulty and payoff. It is often said that the hardest things in life are the most rewarding. Whether it’s learning a new skill, overcoming personal limitations, or contributing to a greater cause, the greater the challenge, the greater the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment when it’s achieved.
In this regard, adversity is an opportunity for growth. By facing hard things head-on, individuals cultivate resilience, competence, and strength. Stoicism emphasizes the importance of accepting the challenge and using it as a means of personal development. Instead of avoiding or resenting difficulties, Stoicism teaches us to see them as tools for becoming stronger, more competent, and more capable of handling life’s unpredictability.
Competence, too, is key. The more competent one becomes, the more challenging tasks they can take on. This progression allows individuals to continually grow, both personally and in their ability to contribute to society. The difficult task is a means to an end—the end being greater mastery and the ability to have a positive impact on the world around us.
Rejoicing in Adversity: A Mindset of Growth and Impact
The concept of rejoicing in adversity is about more than simply "toughing it out." It’s about adopting a mindset that views adversity as an essential part of life, one that is necessary for growth and meaningful contribution. This does not mean seeking out suffering for its own sake, but rather recognizing that when it comes, it serves a purpose. Adversity, when faced with the right mindset, allows individuals to become stronger, more resilient, and more capable of making a difference.
This mindset is driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the world. Both Stoicism and Christianity emphasize that hardship is not just for individual growth but also for the benefit of others. In Stoicism, we are all part of a larger community, and the strength we cultivate is not just for ourselves but for those around us. Similarly, Christianity teaches the importance of serving others, even if it requires personal sacrifice.
Collaboration: No One Does Hard Things Alone
Finally, tackling hard things is rarely a solo endeavor. Life is inherently collaborative, and our greatest challenges are often those we face with others. Whether it’s in family, community, or society, many of life’s difficulties require a collective effort. In both Stoic and Christian traditions, there is an understanding that we are part of a greater whole and that playing our part is essential.
This doesn’t diminish the importance of individual strength and competence. Instead, it emphasizes that these qualities are most effective when used in service to others. The hard things we do, whether personal or communal, have a broader impact when we collaborate and support one another.
Conclusion
Embracing adversity and doing hard things is about much more than personal resilience. It’s about cultivating strength, focusing on tasks of real value, and understanding that the difficulty of a task often correlates with its ultimate reward. By developing competence and collaborating with others, we can not only overcome challenges but also make a meaningful impact on the world around us. Whether through Stoicism or Christianity, the call to bear life’s burdens with grace and purpose is clear—hard things are worth doing when they lead to growth, service, and a better world.
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Brandon Tumblin is most well-known for his podcast, The Strong Stoic Podcast, where he discusses philosophical ideas (solo and guest episodes).
Brandon is also a writer for THE STOIC, the official journal of The Stoic Gym.