The Significance of Toughness in Modern Life

I. Historical Context: A Century of Struggles

“Unless we keep the barbarian virtues, gaining the civilized ones will be of little avail.” - Theodore Roosevelt

The year 1914 marked the onset of World War I. What was initially envisioned as a short - lived, glorious conflict, expected to conclude by Christmas, instead evolved into the bloodiest four - year period the world had witnessed until that time. Subsequently, in 1918, the Spanish Flu emerged, claiming approximately 50 million lives. This disease was particularly lethal to children under five and young adults between 20 and 40, highlighting nature's capacity for cruelty.

The 1920s offered a brief respite, but it was short - lived. The Great Depression, the largest global economic downturn in history, soon struck, crashing economies worldwide. In the United States, unemployment soared beyond 24%, and half of the population found themselves living below the poverty line. Adding to the misery, two years into the depression, the Great Plains region endured a decade - long drought known as the Dust Bowl, forcing farmers to abandon their land in search of better prospects.

World War II began in 1939, resulting in the death of around 75 million people. Across the United States, citizens were compelled to ration essential goods, from gas to meat, to support the war effort. While there were other significant events such as the Cold War, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and mandatory military conscription, it is evident that the early and mid - twentieth century was a period of extreme hardship. In comparison, 2020, though challenging, seems relatively mild. Living through that era demanded a level of toughness, contribution, and fortitude that is less common today.

II. The Question of Abundance and Happiness

Despite the progress and comforts of modern life, it is worth questioning whether our comfortable abundance is insulating us from something crucial for our happiness. Sociologist Glen Elder, upon examining longitudinal data of those who experienced the early 20th - century chaos, reached a remarkable conclusion. People who encountered their first major adversity in their teens and twenties became stronger. Whether it was fighting in World War II or leaving their drought - stricken farms, these challenges were formative experiences that empowered them throughout their lives. Conversely, those who faced their first significant adversities after age 30 were more likely to break down, being less resilient and less capable of growth.

III. The Flawed Paradigm of Modern Youth Development

A. The Myth of Human Frailty

In contemporary times, there is a prevalent belief among parents, educators, and adults that their role is to provide and protect infinitely. Adults are constantly present, chauffeuring, mediating, and ensuring a safe environment. However, this ethos is based on a faulty assumption of human frailty. As psychologist Dan Gilbert explains in his book Stumbling on Happiness, contrary to the long - held belief that terrible events have a devastating and enduring impact, most people are surprisingly resilient in the face of trauma.

B. The Self - Esteem Movement's Unintended Consequences

Decades of research on the self - esteem movement by psychologist Roy Baumeister and his team revealed that the emphasis on unconditional positive regard for children was more likely to foster a sense of individual superiority and entitlement rather than mental wellness. Always praising children, even for mediocre achievements, eliminated standards and social pressure that could have led to more fulfilling behavior. For example, physical standards in P.E., such as rope climbing, were removed. This well - meaning effort to protect kids from feeling bad about themselves ultimately left them less capable and more fragile.

IV. Expectations and Resilience

A. The Impact of Expectations on Adversity

When people expect to avoid hardships, each pain is magnified. Expecting a life without exertion makes exercise seem brutal, and expecting others to solve their problems leads to a lack of responsibility. In contrast, when overcoming adversity is an early - established expectation, people can thrive even in difficult circumstances. As Elder noted, the meaning of events is derived from the interactions between people, groups, and the experience itself. Kids who went through challenging experiences often fared well.

B. The Role of Stress in Growth

Stress is essential for growth. It makes us more capable of overcoming future adversities, rendering us "antifragile" in Nassim Taleb's terms. While too much stress, such as from car wrecks, child abuse, or chronic stress, is harmful, a certain level of stress is beneficial. Taleb exemplified this by comparing the intense but short - lived stress of encountering a snake or vampire (in a hypothetical situation) followed by a period of safety to the continuous, mild stress of modern - day life pressures. The former can be beneficial, while the latter is harmful.

V. Toughness Training

A. The Harvard Treadmill Test

In 1940, 130 Harvard sophomores participated in the Harvard Treadmill Test as part of a study to determine the qualities that contribute to a better life. Subjects were placed on a steep treadmill at a fast, uncomfortable pace and instructed to stay on for five minutes. The majority lasted four minutes or less. The researchers aimed to assess a subject's willingness to push themselves. After decades of tracking, they found that the time a 20 - year - old spent on the treadmill was a strong predictor of future life success. Those who endured longer had better jobs, marriages, relationships, less substance abuse, and better health.

B. Ways to Cultivate Toughness

• Work out: For regular exercisers, adding a challenging "gut check" workout weekly or bi - weekly can enhance toughness. Those already doing so can try something new and difficult to step out of their comfort zone. For non - regular exercisers, starting small but committing fully is key. Exercise is a fundamental starting point for building toughness, as demonstrated by the Harvard Treadmill Test.

• Meditate: Despite its reputation, sitting still without succumbing to distraction is an exercise in toughness. Meditation offers numerous benefits, including better focus, lower blood pressure, and improved mental health. It has been credited with helping overcome certain mental health conditions, such as Pure O OCD.

• Cold Shower: Besides its health benefits, a cold shower builds a mental edge. Starting each day by willingly entering the cold can give the mental strength to face other tasks.

• Intermittent Fasting: Hunger was once a part of daily life. By choosing a day each week to extend the fasting period, such as aiming for 17 hours between dinner and the next day's first meal, one can build toughness. Regular intermittent fasting can lead to changes in eating patterns, like working out in a fasted state and consuming only two meals a day.

Justin Lind and I hold bi - annual 48 - hour fasts for our IHD Membership group, which is dedicated to self - development. We will commence another 48 - hour fast this July. For more detailed recommendations on training and assessing different aspects of toughness, I have compiled a series of tests.

In conclusion, regardless of the approach taken, it is crucial to remember that a degree of discomfort is necessary for us to thrive. Toughness is a virtue, and by cultivating it, we can enhance both our individual lives and our communities.

Reference:

1. Baumeister, Roy F., Jennifer D. Campbell, Joachim I. Krueger, and Kathleen D. Vohs. “Does High Self - Esteem Cause Better Performance, Interpersonal Success, Happiness, or Healthier Lifestyles?” Psychological Science in the Public Interest 4, no. 1 (May 2003): 1–44.