Question

One of the myths at the core of American culture is the idea of the self-made person, the individual who overcomes obstacles and defies hardships to reach their goals and achieve success. The implication of this myth is that the more hardships a person prevails over, the more worthy they are of admiration and the rewards of success. Do you think this idea is valid? Does hardship make people stronger and more successful? Doesn't it also make people suffer? What about people who face hardships but never reach their goals, or people whose success seems effortless or the result of happenstance? answer in 5 sentences

Answer 1

The idea of the self-made person suggests that overcoming hardship is a key ingredient for success, and while resilience can foster strength and determination, it’s not the only path to achievement. Hardships can indeed build character, but they can also lead to significant suffering and, in some cases, may inhibit a person's ability to succeed. Additionally, many individuals who face adversities may struggle to reach their goals, raising questions about the fairness of attributing success solely to overcoming challenges. Furthermore, we must acknowledge that success can come through privilege, luck, or circumstances unrelated to personal effort, highlighting the complexity of defining achievement. Ultimately, while hardship can enrich personal growth, it does not serve as a universal metric for worthiness or success.