Why We Should Pity Lucky People

The Surprising Upside of Adversity

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The Stoic philosopher Seneca had an interesting take on adversity: "I judge you unfortunate because you have never lived through misfortune,” he said.

We think people leading a charmed existence are lucky, but maybe we shouldn’t. 

“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body,” Seneca said. "...Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men."

Adversity radiates through society and across generations to create resilient people. 

Modern people living in German cities subjected to the most damaging World War II bombings generations ago have fewer neurotic traits than those living in cities that suffered less destruction. 

But doesn’t trauma cause lasting psychological damage? Often less than expected. 

Immediately after the 9/11 terrorist attack, people living within a mile of the World Trade Center had a 20% prevalence of PTSD. But that shrank to 0.6% six months later. 

Trauma can break us. But if it doesn’t, there’s a good chance we’ll be better after getting through it.