Adversity has the same effect on a man that severe training has on the pugilist: it reduces him to his fighting weight.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Many a man's strength is in opposition, and when he faileth, he grows out of use.
One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.
Adversity has a way of introducing a man to himself.
Where I come from, being a hard man is being able to take a good beating and then get back up again and carry on fighting.
If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.
He knows not his own strength that has not met adversity.
Adversities such as being homeless and going to prison has made many people stronger.
A habitual disuse of physical forces totally destroys the moral; and men lose at once the power of protecting themselves, and of discerning the cause of their oppression.
A weak man is just by accident. A strong but non-violent man is unjust by accident.
There's so much more danger in someone where you really don't know what they're going to do, and you don't know what they're really capable of, rather than someone who's trying to be physically tough.