A Solution to the “Good Times Create Weak Men” Meme
Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. Weak men create hard times.
It’s often thrown around as just a meme, but this statement actually contains deep truth about how societal conditions (stability, prosperity, etc.) of a state or country affect the development of its citizens’ moral character, which in turn affects the societal conditions. During hard times, men are forced by their circumstances to take on responsibility, and thus develop virtue. However, during good times, the environment is far less demanding and thus men can get by in life by simply taking the path of least resistance. We can see this now in our modern times of plenty and relative ease: lots of men in our society are content to spend their days playing video games in their mother’s basement, never amounting to anything in the real world. Contrast that with times of war. During wartime, men are forced (either through a draft or indirectly through other strong societal pressures) to grow up and put their short-sighted, hedonistic desires behind them.
In order to prevent good times from breeding weak men and thus devolving back into hard times, men must cultivate virtue. If men are to become virtuous during good times, they must voluntarily and intentionally challenge themselves, because challenge is not thrust upon them by their external environment. It’s like how going to the gym is now necessary to develop muscle. During our modern times, most people work sedentary jobs and therefore being strong is unnecessary for fulfilling their day-to-day responsibilities, whereas when most people worked with their hands for their occupation being muscular was much more common. Because of our sedentary lifestyles, we must go out of our way to challenge our muscles and put in the work if we are to develop physically.
Just like physical strength, strength of character must also be cultivated intentionally during good times. In order to develop into more than who you are, you must take on responsibility and push the boundaries of your competence outward, which will never happen if you stay within your comfort zone. Many reps of exerting your muscles are required for muscular development. Similarly, many reps of exerting your character are required for development of virtue. How does one develop virtue? Do something challenging and important. Work toward something bigger than yourself. Speak up for what you believe. Don’t leave your problems unsolved. Don’t lie. Listen to your conscience.
Take up your cross with courage, for it’s how we redeem the world.
