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Once again my usual role of abundantly supplying my various OKP endeavors (I gave so much to the "Super-Low YouTube contest" GD post y'all had quite ENOUGH OF THAT, PROMO sort of "made peace" with the 2025 Song of the Summer post this time around, suprisingly)
However....
....before this "Human nature....repetitive cycle" post gets "tuned out" like the "Super-Low YouTube contest" post, I might as well do an ABUNDANT EXPOSITION/EXHIBITION of the famous G. Michael Hopf: "Strong men bring prosperity" quote from Hopf's post-apocalyptic novel "Those Who Remain" (2016):
"Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times,"
You know me a little from this post: Psych BA, lot's of Journal of Psychohistory reading, lot's of examining ups and downs of society, culture, politics, etc., So.....like some Carl Jung "collective unconscious" with the usual Freud slant, this G. Michael Hopf quote about a "paradox"/"cycle" seems to be something people want to explore/examine more and more these days (for some reason...)
So...
...in my usual approach...
Here's a LOT of this "examination" of the Hopf "strong men bring prosperity" paradox/cycle before this post runs it's course....
Here we go....enjoy the feast:
https://petermerrick.com/blog/f/the-meaning-of-hard-times-create-strong-men
The Meaning of "Hard Times Create Strong Men"
June 24, 2023|Peter Talks
The quote, "Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times," from G. Michael Hopf's post-apocalyptic novel "Those Who Remain," captures a profound insight into the cyclical nature of human progress. In this article, we will explore the deeper meaning behind this quote and its implications in a broader societal context.
The quote suggests that there exists a cyclical pattern in which historical circumstances shape the strength and character of individuals, ultimately leading to societal shifts. Let's examine each phase of this cycle:
Hard Times Create Strong Men: During challenging and difficult times, individuals are forced to confront adversity, develop resilience, and overcome obstacles. These experiences cultivate strength, determination, and a sense of resourcefulness. It is through these struggles that individuals build character and resilience, emerging as strong individuals capable of shaping their destinies.
Strong Men Create Good Times: The strength, ingenuity, and perseverance of individuals who have endured and overcome hardships contribute to the creation of prosperous and stable times. Their resourcefulness, work ethic, and vision bring about positive changes, laying the foundation for progress and prosperity. They establish systems, institutions, and a supportive environment that fosters growth and success.
Good Times Create Weak Men: During prosperous periods, people tend to become complacent, comfortable, and less inclined to face challenges or take risks. This can lead to a decline in ambition, discipline, and the drive to innovate. Without the need to overcome adversity, individuals may become reliant on the systems and structures established by their predecessors, leading to a weakening of character and a sense of entitlement.
Weak Men Create Hard Times: The decline of strong character and the lack of resilience in individuals can result in a deterioration of societal structures. Weakness in the face of challenges, an inability to adapt, and a lack of accountability can lead to the erosion of institutions and the loss of progress. This, in turn, creates a climate of hardship and struggle, ultimately setting the stage for a new cycle to begin.
Understanding this cycle prompts us to reflect on the importance of resilience, self-reliance, and personal growth. It serves as a reminder that it is through overcoming challenges and embracing adversity that we build strength and character. To avoid perpetuating the cycle of decline, individuals must strive to maintain their resilience, discipline, and adaptability even during prosperous times.
----------------------------=
https://barrypopik.com/blog/hard_times_create_strong_men
April 13, 2024
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times”
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times” is a saying that has been printed on many images. The saying is frequently credited to author G. Michael Hopf, from his novel Those Who Remain, Book 7 (2016) in The New World series. However, the saying, as well as many similar sayings, existed earlier, especially in the 2010s. The saying is related to the Strauss-Howe generational theory, from the 1990s.
From Reddit—AskHistorians on June 21, 2020: “In his (Herodotus—ed.) Histories, when a Persian first suggests to Cyrus the Great that they should conquer other lands, Cyrus sagely replied: ‘Go ahead and do this, but if you do so, be prepared no longer to be rulers but rather subjects. Soft lands breed soft men; wondrous fruits of the earth and valiant warriors do not grow from the same soil.’”
“Soft Times Make Soft Men” was in a bank advertisement in the Fulton (MO) Daily Sun on September 15, 1921. “Easy times make easy lives—stale, flat, unprofitable. Hard times make strong men” (by University of Missouri President Walter Williams) was printed in The Columbia Missourian (Columbia, MO) on August 6, 1932. “Easy times make easy lives, stale, flat, unprofitable. Difficult times make strong men” (also from Walter Williams) was printed in the Linn County Budget-Gazette (Brookefield, MO) on November 9, 1932.
“Tough times breed strong people. Strong people create good times. Good times breed weak people. Weak people create tough times. #Selah” was posted on X/Twitter by Dave Melendez 🏁 on December 22, 2011. “Good times breed weak people, weak people breed hard times, hard times breed hard people, hard people breed good times” was posted on X/Twitter by WeeWilly on July 1, 2012. “Seen as someone’s signature on a forum: ‘Tough times breed strong people; Strong people create good times; Good times breed weak people; Weak people create tough times’” was posted on Facebook by Benjamin Kibbey on July 17, 2012.
“Hard times create strong men” was posted on X/Twitter by Heaven🔌Kaymen on August 26, 2012. “Bad times create strong people. Strong people create good times. Good times create weak people. Weak people create bad times” was posted on X/Twitter by Mike S on June 1, 2023. “Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times. Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times” was posted on Facebook by Richard Dennis on July 2, 2013. “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times” was posted on Facebook by JudyHarris on March 28, 2014.
“Hard times create capitalists. Capitalists create good times. Good times create socialists. Socialists create hard times” is a related saying.
(This entry was assisted by the Quote Investigator.)
Wikipedia: Strauss-Howe generational theory
The Strauss–Howe generational theory, devised by William Strauss and Neil Howe, describes a theorized recurring generation cycle in American history and Western history. According to the theory, historical events are associated with recurring generational personas (archetypes). Each generational persona unleashes a new era (called a turning) lasting around 20–25 years, in which a new social, political, and economic climate (mood) exists. They are part of a larger cyclical “saeculum” (a long human life, which usually spans between 80 and 100 years, although some saecula have lasted longer). The theory states that a crisis recurs in American history after every saeculum, which is followed by a recovery (high). During this recovery, institutions and communitarian values are strong. Ultimately, succeeding generational archetypes attack and weaken institutions in the name of autonomy and individualism, which eventually creates a tumultuous political environment that ripens conditions for another crisis.
Know Your Meme
About
Hard Times Create Strong Men, Strong Men Create Good Times, Good Times Create Weak Men, Weak Men Create Hard Times refers to a catchphrase that attempts to describe the cycle of prosperity and regression in society. Starting in 2016, the phrase has appeared in multiple image macros and has later become a subject of parodies and ironic use.
Origin
While the quote is generally attributed to Those Who Remain: A Postapocalyptic Novel, a book by G. Michael Hopf published in December 2016,(4) the earliest macros containing the phrase were spread online starting as early as August 2016. These include a collection of four paintings depicting various periods of Roman Empire, and a photograph of several armed Chechen fighters, with an August 15th, 2016, post on 9GAG(1) being the earliest viral image macro containing the caption (shown below, left).
G. Michael Hopf
HARD TIMES CREATE
STRONG MEN.
STRONG MEN CREATE
GOOD TIMES.
GOOD TIMES CREATE
WEAK MEN.
AND, WEAK MEN CREATE
HARD TIMES.
In 2015, as I was writing the novel, Those Who Remain, Book 7 in The New World series, I was also reading a lot about generational theory. It is from my research, specifically, The Strauss-Howe Generational Theory, advanced in their books, Generations and The 4th Turning, that I was inspired to write the quote, ‘Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.’ The quote is an oversimplification of generational theory, and simply surmises that as a nation state goes from a difficult existence to prosperity, the generation that has been coddled, ‘the weak men’, lose their way, causing hard times for society. The weak men become complacent, forgetting how their forefathers gave birth to the good times and even become antagonistic to the norms of which the nation became successful. The sentiment behind the quote is not new, in fact it is old if not ancient. There has never been a generation which doesn’t look at the younger generations and believe they were weaker. I should also note, because this sentiment isn’t new there are variations which have been expressed by different individuals throughout history. The overall concept and sentiment expressed is timeless, and can be traced back to the 14th century philosopher, Ibn Khaldun and even further back to Plato himself.
The quote went relatively unnoticed for years until around 2020 during the height of the contentious presidential election when it began to appear…EVERYWHERE! I was shocked, but also not, as it is a powerful statement which was made between my main character, Gordon Van Zandt and his grandson, Sebastian Rutledge.
Newspapers,com
15 September 1921, Fulton (MO) Daily Sun, pg. 3, col. 1:
Soft Times Make Soft Men
(The Callaway Bank.—ed.)
Newspapers.com
6 August 1932, The Columbia Missourian (Columbia, MO), “President Speaks to Graduates on Aims of Education,” pg. 1, col. 4:
(Dr. Walter Williams, president of the University of Missouri.—ed.)
“The acquisition of knowledge is difficult,” said Dr. Williams. “The broadening of one’s vision is not easy; thinking is a painful process. Easy times make easy lives—stale, flat, unprofitable.
“Hard times make strong men.”
Newspapers.com
9 November 1932, Linn County Budget-Gazette (Brookefield, MO), pg. 3, col. 1:
“IN OLD MIZZOO”
THE JOY OF STRUGGLE
by
WALTER WILLIAMS
President, M. U.
(...)
Easy times make easy lives, stale, flat, unprofitable. Difficult times make strong men.
X/Twitter
Dave Melendez 🏁
@davemelendez
Tough times breed strong people. Strong people create good times. Good times breed weak people. Weak people create tough times. #Selah
10:08 PM · Dec 22, 2011
X/Twitter
WeeWilly
@WesWill1
Good times breed weak people, weak people breed hard times, hard times breed hard people, hard people breed good times.
9:55 PM · Jul 1, 2012
Facebook
Benjamin Kibbey
July 17, 2012 at 10:14 PM · Albany, NY ·
Seen as someone’s signature on a forum:
“Tough times breed strong people; Strong people create good times; Good times breed weak people; Weak people create tough times.”
X/Twitter
Heaven🔌Kaymen
@MrKaaymen
Hard times create strong men
2:20 PM · Aug 26, 2012
X/Twitter
Dave Melendez 🏁
@davemelendez
Tough times breed strong people; Strong people create good times; Good times breed weak people; Weak people create tough times.
10:13 PM · Nov 27, 2012
X/Twitter
Coach Wayland | Physical Training Craftsman
@WSWayland
Good times breed weak people. Weak people create tough times. Tough times breed strong people. Strong people create good times.
2:45 AM · May 14, 2013
Facebook
Rob Car
May 14, 2013 at 1;03 PM ·
Good times breed weak people. Weak people create tough times. Tough times breed strong people. Strong people create good times.
Facebook
Powering-Through Performance
May 14, 2013 at 2:45 AM ·
Good times breed weak people. Weak people create tough times. Tough times breed strong people. Strong people create good times.
X/Twitter
Mike S
@Shlombro
Bad times create strong people. Strong people create good times. Good times create weak people. Weak people create bad times.
6:43 AM · Jun 1, 2013
Facebook
Richard Dennis
July 2, 2013 at 8:06 PM ·
Good times create weak men.
Weak men create hard times.
Hard times create strong men.
Strong men create good times.
Good times about to come & I’ll create them!
Happy Easter everyone, may god bless you! 🧡
Facebook
Tien Nagant Vu
July 29, 2013 at 8:18 PM ·
Bad times creates strong people
Strong people create good times
good times create weak people
weak people create bad times
Facebook
Chris Lorenzo
July 30, 2013 at 12:12 AM · Florida ·
Bad times creates strong people
Strong people create good times
good times create weak people
weak people create bad times
X/Twitter
B
@Bird_ManJr
Hard times create strong men
1:28 AM · Dec 10, 2013
Facebook
Sebastian Perez
January 8, 2014 at 5:37 PM ·
HARD TIMES
create STRONG MEN.
#makeithappen🤝
Facebook
Judy Harris is feeling blessed.
March 28, 2014 at 7:22 AM ·
“Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”
What this says to me is this, where you start in life isn’t the end destination unless you allow it to be.
If you are a victim in your circumstance, you will forever remain trapped in it. Ie: the hard times will never end….
If you change your view point and welcome the challenge, your mind starts to find solutions, ways to move forward, ways to do it differently,
X/Twitter
Jacob 🇺🇸 🇪🇸
@Commando_Cat
Hard times make strong men. Strong men make easy times. Easy time make weak men. Weak men make hard times.
7:53 PM · Jun 30, 2015
Facebook
Tamp Tanja
November 8, 2015 at 1:00 PM ·
Hard times create strong men.
Strong men create good times.
Good times create weak men.
Weak men create hard times.”
X/Twitter
AltRightGuy🐸
@AndrewBunbury
@Civis_Silas
@LeonardusIX7 bad times breed hard men which breed good times which breed soft men which breed bad times.
4:09 PM · Dec 29, 2015
X/Twitter
DEAR CUSTOMER
@DearCustomer25
Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times.
10:08 AM · Apr 18, 2016
X/Twitter
Slight Edge
@slightedge79
Soft times make soft men, soft men make hard times. Hard times make hard men. Hard men make soft times!
10:58 AM · May 12, 2016
X/Twitter
Derek Rein
@cptnd_
Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times.
(The saying is also shown on an image.—ed.)
8:13 PM · Jul 15, 2016
X/Twitter
Mr Crowson
@_Stormwell
Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good time creates weak men. Weak men create hard times. The pendulum swings.
2:49 PM · Jul 16, 2016
9GAG
ugfjsijs
Posted 15 Aug 16
This is accurate
(“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times” is shown on an image.—ed.)
X/Twitter
robzombie
@landfilth
Bad times make hard men, hard men make good times, good times make soft men, soft men make bad times #BasicHistory
8:25 AM · Aug 24, 2016
OCLC WorldCat record
Google Books
Those who remain : a postapocalyptic novel
Author: G. Michael Hopf (Author)
Summary: The war between the Republic of Cascadia and the rogue nation Western Canada is raging. When it all ends, some who’ve stood with Gordon will be lost and those who remain pray that their sacrifices will usher in the new world they’ve been fighting so hard for
Print Book, English, 2016
Publisher: , , 2016
Series: The New World Series, book 7
Pg. ?:
Gordon looked at Hunter and smiled before he said, “I’ve lived a long time and seen a lot of shit. In my latter years, I’ve become somewhat of a philosopher and this is one truth that is indisputable. Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak mean create hard times.”
X/Twitter
Dying Days
@DyingDaysZombie
Those Who Remain: A Postapocalyptic Novel (... by G. Michael Hopf for $5.99 http://amzn.to/2cFngm8 via
@amazon
12:23 AM · Sep 30, 2016
X/Twitter
Gamma Del Ray
@banruh
the engine of cyclical history
(The “Hard Times create Strong Men” saying is shown on an image.—ed.)
11:11 PM · Oct 16, 2016
X/Twitter
Joel Lambert
@Joel5326
Strong men create good times, good times create weak men, weak men create bad times…bad times create strong men.
Quote
Matthew McNelly
@nellfire
Oct 20, 2016
Replying to @Joel5326
True unity always involves sacrifice. Country will likely not be unified until an external threat so large forces our hand
1:05 PM · Oct 20, 2016
X/Twitter
BetterWisdomThanGold
@w4ytruthlife31_
Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times
Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times
(This is also shown on an image titled “The Engine of Cyclical History.”—ed.)
1:46 PM · Oct 22, 2016
X/Twitter
Spidermain50
@Spidermain50
Hard times build strong men
Strong men build good times
Good times breed weak men
Weak men bring hard times
https://youtu.be/-CETiBe9X7g
5:48 PM · Oct 26, 2017
OCLC WorldCat record
Amazon.com
Hard times create strong men : What does it mean to be a man in the modern world?
Author: Stefan Aarnio (Author)
Print Book, English, 2019
Publisher: Clovercroft Publishing, Franklin, Tennessee, 2019
iFunny
KamenOverHeaven
5 feb 2020
the Engine of Cyclical History
Foreign Policy
Hard Times Don’t Make Strong Soldiers
Western strategists keep falling for myths of invincible barbarians.
By Bret Devereaux, a historian specializing in the Roman economy and military.
MAY 2, 2020, 12:50 PM
“Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.” The quote, from a postapocalyptic novel by the author G. Michael Hopf, sums up a stunningly pervasive cyclical vision of history. The idea, which I have termed elsewhere “the Fremen Mirage” after the science fiction novel Dune’s desert-dwellers, posits that harsh conditions make for morally pure and militarily strong people, while wealth and sophistication make for decadent societies and poor fighters.
Reddit—AskHistorians
darkoj—June 21, 2020
Does the aphorism “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times”, accurately reflect the evolution of civilizations through history and across different cultures?
COMMENTS
Iphikrates
There is a long and colourful history of people worrying that there is something wrong with men.
This moral panic is born from the fact that, in many historical societies, armies were made up of ordinary citizen men. For society as a whole to be safe and secure, it was thought, men would therefore need to be tough, warlike, stoic, selfless and ready to defend the land. Society’s greatest enemy was the corrupting influence of peace and prosperity. Safe from war and used to a life of luxury, men would become soft, weak, and cowardly; they would no longer be willing or able to fight to protect themselves and others. In other words, moralists believed that comfort and wealth were enemies of masculinity itself - and, by extension, of civilised life. The stark phrase you cite here perfectly sums up this philosophy, in which masculinity is the guarantor of all good things, but is also permanently in crisis, as it constantly plants the seeds of its own destruction.
The idea goes back at least to the 5th century BC. The Greeks of the time of the historian Herodotos saw their own land as hard and poor, and they took this as one of the reasons why they had been able to ward off the famously wealthy Persians. They did not mind eating simple food, working in the hot sun and dying in battle, but the dainty Persians were too fond of nice things. Herodotos complicates the picture, though; he knew the Persians came from a hard land too (the arid Iranian plateau). Perhaps, he suggested, their origin explained their initial success, but their imperial power had undone them? This was certainly something his contemporary Athenians, with their newfangled empire, ought to bear in mind.
In his Histories, when a Persian first suggests to Cyrus the Great that they should conquer other lands, Cyrus sagely replied:
“Go ahead and do this, but if you do so, be prepared no longer to be rulers but rather subjects. Soft lands breed soft men; wondrous fruits of the earth and valiant warriors do not grow from the same soil.”
—Hdt. 9.122.3
Reddit—Quotes
Hurasaur—July 7, 2020
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.” - G. Michael Hopf
And I think our modern society is creating more and more weak men.
Reddit—Quotes
Some_Chow—January 22, 2021
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.” ― G. Michael Hopf, Those Who Remain
iFunny
GamingCentraI
19 nov 2022
Hard Times Create Strong Men DARK SOULS ah Weak Strong Men NG Men Create Create H
iFunny
WohnJick
14 apr 2023
Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times. G. MICHAEL HOPF
iFunny
LukesMemes
16 aug 2023
And you are right here
HARD TIMES CREATE STRONG STRONG MEN CREATE GOOD TI GOOD TIMES CREATE WEAK M WEAK MEN CREATE HARD TIM MEN MES EN ES
iFunny
DrMexicutioner
12 jan 2024
HARD TIMES CREATE STRONG MEN I STRONG MEN CREATE GOOO TIMES TIMES CREATE WEAK MEN WEAK MEN CREATE HARD TIMES
X/Twitter
Weston Ulbrich
@ctrewes
Quote is apparently credited to G. Michael Hopf
@GMichaelHopf1
“Those Who Remain” & is based on the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory in which generations are influenced by unique cultural events & personas leading to recurring conflicts & reconstructions.
https://gmichaelhopf.com/hard-times
Quote
Gabriel Dombek
@DombekGabriel
Apr 12
Replying to @dhurley15
Don’t let the music drowned out the lyrics
3:39 PM · Apr 13, 2024 from Milford, CT
---------------------------=
https://sobrief.com/books/hard-times-create-strong-men
Hard Times Create Strong Men
by Stefan Aarnio 2019 624 pages
4.09 1.1K ratings
Self HelpPhilosophyPersonal Development
Hard Times Create Strong Men
by Stefan Aarnio
Key Takeaways
Hard times create strong men, good times create weak men
A man's purpose is his work; avoid the trap of being a "unique snowflake"
Good men are not nice men; understand the difference
The destruction of fatherhood has dire consequences for society
Pornography is the mass castration of divine masculine power
Religion provides a functional framework for civilized society
The world belongs to warrior cultures; tolerance leads to weakness
FAQ
What's Hard Times Create Strong Men about?
Why should I read Hard Times Create Strong Men?
What are the key takeaways of Hard Times Create Strong Men?
What are the best quotes from Hard Times Create Strong Men and what do they mean?
How does Stefan Aarnio define a "strong man" in Hard Times Create Strong Men?
What is the "Millennial Problem" discussed in Hard Times Create Strong Men?
How does Hard Times Create Strong Men address the topic of relationships?
What role does work play in a man's life according to Hard Times Create Strong Men?
How does Aarnio suggest men can reclaim their strength?
What is the significance of the "three pillars" in Hard Times Create Strong Men?
How does Hard Times Create Strong Men relate to current societal issues?
How can I apply the lessons from Hard Times Create Strong Men to my life?
Key Takeaways
1. Hard times create strong men, good times create weak men
"Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, weak men create hard times."
Cyclical nature of history. This quote encapsulates the cyclical nature of history and societal strength. Strong men, forged through adversity, build prosperous societies. However, the resulting comfort breeds weakness in subsequent generations, leading to societal decline and eventual hardship. This cycle repeats throughout history.
Current state of weakness. The author argues that Western society is currently in the "weak men create hard times" phase. He points to the proliferation of "man-boys" - men who avoid responsibility, indulge in video games and pornography, and fail to contribute meaningfully to society. This weakness, he contends, leaves society vulnerable to internal decay and external threats.
Need for strong men. To break this cycle and prevent societal collapse, the author emphasizes the need for men to embrace strength, responsibility, and traditional masculine virtues. This involves:
Developing mental and physical toughness
Taking ownership of one's life and problems
Contributing productively to society
Embracing leadership roles in family and community
2. A man's purpose is his work; avoid the trap of being a "unique snowflake"
"You are not special. You're not a beautiful and unique snowflake. You're the same decaying organic matter as everything else."
Rejecting entitlement. This quote, borrowed from Chuck Palahniuk's "Fight Club," emphasizes the danger of believing oneself to be inherently special or entitled. The author argues that this mindset, prevalent in modern society, leads to weakness and disappointment.
Embracing purpose through work. Instead of seeking validation through uniqueness, men should find purpose and meaning through their work. The author contends that:
A man's primary purpose is to work and contribute to society
Work provides a sense of identity and self-worth
Productivity and achievement are more fulfilling than passive consumption
Overcoming obstacles. The path to finding one's purpose is often challenging. The author advises:
Reject the "follow your passion" myth; instead, develop passion through mastery
Be willing to do unglamorous work to build skills and experience
Persist through difficulties, as struggle often precedes meaningful achievement
3. Good men are not nice men; understand the difference
"Nice men are not men at all."
Distinguishing niceness from goodness. The author argues that being "nice" - overly accommodating, conflict-avoidant, and people-pleasing - is actually a form of weakness. Good men, on the other hand, are:
Principled and willing to stand up for what's right
Capable of necessary confrontation and conflict
Respected for their strength and integrity
The appeal of strength. Both men and women, the author contends, are naturally drawn to strength in men:
Men respect and follow strong leaders
Women are attracted to men who display confidence and assertiveness
Society benefits from men who can make difficult decisions and take action
Balancing strength with virtue. While rejecting "niceness," the author emphasizes the importance of genuine virtue:
Kindness from a position of strength
Fairness and justice in dealings with others
Protect and provide for family and community
4. The destruction of fatherhood has dire consequences for society
"63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes."
Fatherlessness epidemic. The author presents alarming statistics on the negative outcomes associated with fatherless homes, including increased rates of:
Suicide
Behavioral disorders
Substance abuse
Criminal activity
Educational failure
Societal factors. The author argues that several factors have contributed to the marginalization of fathers:
No-fault divorce laws
Welfare policies that incentivize single motherhood
Cultural narratives that devalue fatherhood
Educational systems that favor feminine traits
Restoring fatherhood. To combat these issues, the author advocates for:
Legal reforms to protect fathers' rights
Cultural shift to recognize the importance of fathers
Encouraging men to embrace responsibility and fatherhood
Supporting programs that mentor fatherless youth
5. Pornography is the mass castration of divine masculine power
"If you are masturbating into oblivion and blowing your load every day or twice a day, you, sir, are an ox and not a bull."
Energy depletion. The author argues that excessive pornography use and masturbation drain men of vital energy that could be used for more productive pursuits. This leads to:
Lack of motivation and ambition
Decreased creativity and problem-solving ability
Reduced attraction to real-world relationships
Psychological effects. Pornography addiction can have severe psychological consequences:
Warped perceptions of sexuality and relationships
Decreased ability to form genuine connections
Feelings of shame and inadequacy
Reclaiming masculine power. The author advocates for sexual transmutation - redirecting sexual energy into creative and productive endeavors:
Practicing discipline and self-control
Channeling energy into work, art, or personal growth
Developing genuine, meaningful relationships
6. Religion provides a functional framework for civilized society
"Written religion is the greatest invention of the human race."
Civilizing force. The author argues that organized religion has been crucial in developing and maintaining civilized societies by:
Providing moral and ethical guidelines
Offering a shared cultural narrative
Encouraging pro-social behaviors
Judeo-Christian values. The author particularly emphasizes the positive impact of Judeo-Christian values on Western civilization:
Concepts of individual rights and responsibilities
Emphasis on forgiveness and redemption
Promotion of family and community
Dangers of atheism. While not advocating for blind faith, the author warns against the wholesale rejection of religion:
Loss of moral foundations
Increased nihilism and purposelessness
Vulnerability to destructive ideologies
Spiritual exploration. The author encourages men to explore spirituality and find meaning beyond materialism:
Study religious texts and philosophies
Practice meditation or prayer
Seek connection with something greater than oneself
7. The world belongs to warrior cultures; tolerance leads to weakness
"Empires fall when they become too tolerant and too complacent and comfortable to be able to identify the hostile barbarians at the gates."
Cyclical nature of civilizations. The author argues that societies follow a predictable pattern:
Birth through struggle and intolerance
Growth and prosperity
Increased tolerance and comfort
Weakness and vulnerability
Conquest by a more vigorous culture
Current Western weakness. The author contends that Western civilization is currently in the weakened state:
Excessive tolerance of destructive behaviors
Loss of cultural confidence and identity
Inability to recognize and confront threats
Rise of competing cultures. While the West weakens, the author points to the growth of more assertive cultures:
Resurgent Islamic fundamentalism
Chinese economic and military expansion
Russian geopolitical aggression
Restoring strength. To avoid decline and conquest, the author advocates for:
Renewed cultural confidence and pride
Willingness to defend societal values
Balancing tolerance with necessary intolerance of genuine threats
Cultivating a warrior ethos in men
Last updated: January 22, 2025
-----------------------------=
https://www.unfinishedman.com/hard-times-make-strong-men/
Hard Times Make Strong Men
We live in the most prosperous period in human history. Technology has made our lives incredibly comfortable, convenient, and secure compared to past generations. Food is abundant, jobs are less laborious, and amenities are taken for granted.
But with comfort comes complacency. As the ancient proverb goes, “Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”
Key Takeaways
Evidence shows men today exhibit declining strength and risk-taking compared to past generations.
Adversity forges strong character, competence, and resilience according to philosophers and historians.
By seeking challenges, men can cultivate the vigor, vitality, and grit of their ancestors.
Hardship prepares men for the inevitable cycles of strife; prosperity weakens without tests of mettle.
Evidence suggests we may be in the weak men phase of the cycle. For example, research shows testosterone levels have been steadily declining by 1% per year for decades. Lower testosterone is linked to decreased strength, vigor, and vitality.
Other data indicates we are becoming more risk averse. A recent study found the number of people who see themselves as “risk takers” declined from 70% in 1960 down to 45% in 2014. Playing it safe seems prudent, but too much security weakens our grit and daring.
Have we gone soft as a result of modern prosperity?
Past generations of men were hardened by the daily adversity they faced – providing for their families through war, famine, poverty, and hardship. They had no choice but to become resilient, both physically and mentally.
Teddy Roosevelt called this forge of adversity “the manly and heroic qualities.” He wrote, “If from a life of endless physical toil…a man were to grow the strength to do something better than merely perform feats of strength if he were to grow strong in heart and soul as well as in body, then he might well be thankful for the change.”
Today’s man has never known such privation. We’ve never had to test our true mettle just to survive. As a result, our mental toughness goes untested. We’ve grown soft, preferring comfort over callusing our minds to hardship.
The solution is not to seek out unnecessary adversity. But we can cultivate strength through difficult goals and challenges. Take up extreme sports that test your limits. Learn survival skills that build grit. Seek out mentors who demand excellence. Use technology deliberately to expand your abilities.
Marcus Aurelius said, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Obstacles make us stronger. Each hardship we overcome expands our capacity, courage, and confidence.
Build physical stamina as well as mental fortitude. Emotional resilience is key. Develop a growth mindset that views struggle as an opportunity for self-improvement. With the right mindset and skills, men can thrive in any environment.
Hard times will inevitably come again. History moves in cycles and eras of prosperity give way to strife. But hardship does not make us weaker. Adversity is a gift that allows us to realize our true potential. As Nietzsche stated, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
Men who embrace this fact will emerge from their trials stronger than ever in mind, body, and spirit. Our comfort and prosperity are not fragile – so long as we remain robust men ready to weather any storm.
The coming age will test men mightily. But hardship is not something to fear. Canadian clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson explains, “The voluntary confrontation with suffering and self-sacrifice allows an individual to transcend his or her own limitations….to develop courage and strength…”
Rather than weaken us, adversity makes us more competent, able, and heroic. It connects us to our primal masculinity.
Comfort and security appeal to our soft side. But ease makes men feeble over time. To retain the vigor of our forefathers requires challenge and exertion. Hard times call us to be our best selves.
The future belongs not to the comfortable but to the strong in body and spirit. By bravely seeking tests of character and skill, men can recapture the lost fire of their ancestors and build a society equal to any trial. The path to greatness begins with embracing hardship as a gateway to new heights of masculine power and purpose. Our best days lie ahead.
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ONSeptember 7, 2023inLife Advice
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https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/hd78tv/does_the_aphorism_hard_times_create_strong_men/
AskHistorians
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5 yr. ago
darkoj-
Does the aphorism "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times", accurately reflect the evolution of civilizations through history and across different cultures?
It seems intuitively correct when considering circumstances that affect an individual's personal development, so casually applying it to the psychology and behavior of people throughout history may be second nature. It also seems to echo commonly held notions of the perceived decadence of the Roman empire, its transformation from a republic, and the "Dark Ages" that proceeded the dissolution of the western half. Further still, it matches a modern (American) sentiment that morality, integrity, diligence, etc. are in decline, after such great worldwide hardship during the first half of the 20th century led to unparalleled wealth and prosperity in the second half, and now a jaded population expects more for less whilst living at the peak of luxury.
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u/Iphikrates avatar
Iphikrates
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5y ago
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Edited 2y ago
There is a long and colourful history of people worrying that there is something wrong with men.
This moral panic is born from the fact that, in many historical societies, armies were made up of ordinary citizen men. For society as a whole to be safe and secure, it was thought, men would therefore need to be tough, warlike, stoic, selfless and ready to defend the land. Society's greatest enemy was the corrupting influence of peace and prosperity. Safe from war and used to a life of luxury, men would become soft, weak, and cowardly; they would no longer be willing or able to fight to protect themselves and others. In other words, moralists believed that comfort and wealth were enemies of masculinity itself - and, by extension, of civilised life. The stark phrase you cite here perfectly sums up this philosophy, in which masculinity is the guarantor of all good things, but is also permanently in crisis, as it constantly plants the seeds of its own destruction.
The idea goes back at least to the 5th century BC. The Greeks of the time of the historian Herodotos saw their own land as hard and poor, and they took this as one of the reasons why they had been able to ward off the famously wealthy Persians. They did not mind eating simple food, working in the hot sun and dying in battle, but the dainty Persians were too fond of nice things. Herodotos complicates the picture, though; he knew the Persians came from a hard land too (the arid Iranian plateau). Perhaps, he suggested, their origin explained their initial success, but their imperial power had undone them? This was certainly something his contemporary Athenians, with their newfangled empire, ought to bear in mind.
In his Histories, when a Persian first suggests to Cyrus the Great that they should conquer other lands, Cyrus sagely replied:
“Go ahead and do this, but if you do so, be prepared no longer to be rulers but rather subjects. Soft lands breed soft men; wondrous fruits of the earth and valiant warriors do not grow from the same soil.”
-- Hdt. 9.122.3
Here you have the idea that "hardness" and "softness" are two points in a cyclical process that is driven by climate and wealth. Poor peoples are hard, and so they conquer others, but their conquest makes them rich, so they go soft, only to be conquered by the next hard people in turn.
The fame of this text spread the idea that a people's living conditions determined how good its men were in war (there is never any reference to its effect on women). Greek thinkers continued the trope; even within themselves, they sometimes distinguished between "hard" Greeks from the rugged Peloponnese and "soft" Greeks from fertile Ionia. Moralist writers like Isokrates complained that the pampered Greek citizens of his day were no longer willing to fight their own battles, but hired mercenaries to do it for them. Roman writers also famously saw their own history as one of a "hard" people corrupted by its own success. By the time of the Late Republic there were people complaining that the men of Rome had become soft and fond of luxuries, while outside, in the wilderness, "hard" barbarians loomed.
It's important to stress here that this Greco-Roman tradition is mostly nostalgic old men stoking moral panic over the perceived shortcomings of younger men of their own day. Centuries ago, historians may have been tempted to believe in these moralistic narratives about peoples "going soft", and to share its toxic notions of masculinity. But they fall down as soon as we start to interrogate them. The phrase you cite is deterministic in the extreme; it is, effectively, a philosophy of history; it seeks to explain every historical event as part of a predictable cycle. But what do its words even mean? And what happens when we put its claims to the test?
The first question is, of course, impossible to answer. What does it mean for times to be hard, for men to be strong, or their opposites? Can such things be quantified? Is there a way to assess whether a specific group of men is strong or weak (and can we say this for all men across entire societies)? Is it possible to say that an entire period of history qualifies as good times or hard times (and for whom)? In reality these words don't mean anything; they only work if we look at historical societies through vague and shallow impressions. They serve to paint stereotypes with the broadest possible brush, and to reinforce a moral interpretation of history that will not be distracted by facts. Any serious look at a specific case will show that they are simply not workable categories.
But even if we pretend that we could agree on solid definitions, it's easy to see that the theory makes no sense. "Hard times create strong men" - well, unless the hardness of the times comes from famine, natural disasters, disease, or foreign invasion, in which case it is more likely to create weakened and desperate men (and women). "Strong men create good times" - good times for whom? If we are to understand this phrase in its Greco-Roman sense, strong men conquer, subjecting others to their will. Are these good times? Are they good even for the conqueror, who faces the horrors of aggressive war and the constant threat of rebellion? "Good times create weak men" - tell it to any of the human beings alive today who are taller and healthier and live longer than men in hard times past. Besides, in many ancient societies the leisure class provided the warriors, which implies that times of prosperity should result in a larger class of trained fighters, not a smaller or weaker one. "Weak men create hard times" - this one doesn't even sound logical. Do the weak men generate hard times by design? Why would they do this? Or is the implication that they do so inadvertently - but if so, aren't hard times more simply the direct result of good times? And given the list of "hard times" I gave earlier, how many of them could be prevented by a generation of "strong" men?
The only way this philosophy can draw people in is through oversimplification and through the appearance of making sense. To do so, it appeals only to particular perspectives and common narratives of history. A quick google search brought up a book with this saying as its title and a "Spartan" helmet from the movie 300 on the cover. Sure, we think, the Spartans at Thermopylai were Strong Men! No doubt they would be the sort that could bring about Good Times, right? ...but their defeat allowed the Persians to pillage Phokis and Boiotia and burn Athens to the ground. Sure, the Persians were defeated in the end, but they bounced back soon enough and reclaimed power over the Greek cities in Asia. At home, the oppressive Spartan regime continued, with a massive population of helots in subjection; the poorer Spartiates were constantly stripped of their rights, and the rest of the people had none to begin with. A little over a century later the same Thebans who supposedly betrayed the Spartans at Thermopylai finally liberated the Messenians from the Spartan yoke, reducing Sparta to a second-rate power. Who are the strong and the weak men here? Which are the good and the bad times?
The only way that the aphorism explains history is by reinforcing confirmation bias - by seeming to confirm what we already believe about the state of the world and the causes behind it. Only those worried about a perceived crisis in masculinity are likely to care about the notion of "weak men" and what trouble they might cause. Only those who wish to see themselves or specific others as "strong men" are likely to believe that the mere existence of such men will bring about a better world. This has nothing to do with history and everything with stereotypes, prejudice and bias. It started as a baseless morality tale, and that is what it still is.
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darkoj-
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5y ago
Excellent response, mate. Thank you for it. I read your comment several times through the day, both to appreciate its contents and the effort you put into it.
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ibkeepr
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5y ago
That was such an interesting response, thank you
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https://www.ucg.org.au/learn/read/bible-insights-weekly/biw-archive/lessons-from-survivors-of-the-great-depression
Lessons from survivors of the Great Depression
In times of stress and uncertainty we should consider the advice of those who have experienced similar times of hardship and have turned to the best self-help book ever published.
(excerpt)
Principles for today
Even though our society is much more complex and dependent on vast distribution systems, there are principles from the Great Depression that we can apply to help us deal with today’s economic downturn. Here are some keys to surviving in difficult times:
Simplify your life. Start with a positive mind-set and appreciate what you have right now. Also think about how to live a fulfilled life without so many material things. Visualize being content with less.
Think creatively. Imagine what it would be like to go back in time and live like the survivors of the Depression era. Learn how people lived on less. Ask about the experiences of older folks and family members.
Pray for faith. Learn about family histories of God’s intervention and provision in desperate times. We are never alone, and God promises to sustain us, though not always luxuriously.
Be thankful. God expects us to be content with what we have and in whatever state we find ourselves. Being grateful helps us handle adversity and is a sure antidote to the corrosive effects of materialism.
Why are these keys so important? Because the world is always cycling from times of plenty to times of scarcity, and our current world is on a downward turn. The past year has seen the beginning of financial crises with the potential to eclipse the Great Depression. It is always better to be prepared. With God’s help we can make it through.
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https://www.tctimes.com/news/lessons-learned-from-the-great-depression-help-people-survive-today-s-recession/article_f2a6985e-561f-5b4a-b62c-30d43c5a4704.html
Lessons learned from the Great Depression…help people survive today’s recession
By Sally Rummel Jun 24, 2009
(excerpt)
If you are one of the thousands of workers laid off from a job or are watching your household’s hard-earned savings disappear during this recession, take heart — generations before you have survived, and thrived, in spite of huge economic woes.
Those who lived at the start of the Great Depression in 1929 may have a unique perspective for Americans today who are watching their financial safety net disappear through job loss, dwindling savings, home foreclosures, and other circumstances.
In fact, your pantry cupboards may even look somewhat similar to those days — filled with macaroni and cheese, potatoes, cereals, Bisquick and other inexpensive staples.
What you may need more than cheap meal ideas is the same resilient spirit that carried most people through the Depression into stronger economic times, while making a living, raising families and more.
First of all, don’t panic. With more than a quarter of Americans out of work, today’s 14.1 percent unemployment figure in Michigan (as of May, 2009) is scary, but nowhere near the panic mode of widespread Depression unemployment.
Second, talk to people who “were there” during the Depression, gaining knowledge and understanding of what your grandparents and others of that generation went through.
“The most interesting story of the Depression is not the foods that we ate,” explained Ernie Pinter, 93, who lives with his wife, Gert, 95, at Shiawassee Shores in Linden. “It’s much more about how people lived and what they had to do to survive.”
In fact, Pinter sees that as the greatest lesson to pass down to future generations, imploring everyone to treat others, as they would like to be treated. “We didn’t have anything but each other,” said Pinter. “Out of 33 members of my Otisville High School class that graduated in 1933, there are only three of us left. We still keep in touch.”
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General Discussion
, he writes, “For a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” And that’s exactly what happened when God closed one door and opened another on the apostle’s second missionary journey. (See Acts 16:6-10.) After Lydia and her household received the gospel, this new opportunity must have seemed hopeful. However, a short time later Paul and Silas, having been stripped and beaten with rods, found themselves sitting in a Philippian jail.
). Resting in the Lord means trusting Him to answer prayers in His timing or transform your aspirations so they conform to His will.
