What the World Needs - Adversity
Posted: Tuesday, November 29, 2011
by LeahG Artist
Cartoon & Illustration Services
It might sound like a strange conclusion to suggest that what the world needs is adversity. Afterall we have that already and it's far from pleasant. So why say such a ridiculous thing?
My initial thoughts were that what the world needs most of all is tolerance, empathy and generosity. I am grateful that we have that in abundance and it would be inappropriate to suggest it was lacking.
My subsequent thoughts were that we need to focus less on the material things in life such as the acquisition of bigger and better cars, houses..... shoes!
Both of these things are possible to achieve and indeed are achieved but generally they are only achieved through adversity and as a result of adversity.
Historically it would appear that only through adversity do we become 'better people'. Better people to each other.
Whenever there is a great catastrophe, disaster, accident we do pull together and support our fellow man and their are outpourings of generosity empathy and kindness. For a moment we all forget our 'wants' and 'needs' and we are thankful for what we have. We are thankful we are not 'them' and we reach out to help 'them'.
However, when things are plentiful and bountiful the opposite becomes true. People become mean, ruthless, isolated, untrusting, guarded. They are focused greatly on hanging onto what they've acquired and dreams of acquiring more. They have less time for neighbors and unfortunate strangers.
I therefor conclude we 'need' adversity because through adversity we become better people. What we don't need though is MORE adversity! I am not suggesting we need anything more than what is already occurring in that department.
To conclude...whatever you have, however fortunate you are...help your fellow man.
My initial thoughts were that what the world needs most of all is tolerance, empathy and generosity. I am grateful that we have that in abundance and it would be inappropriate to suggest it was lacking.
Both of these things are possible to achieve and indeed are achieved but generally they are only achieved through adversity and as a result of adversity.
Historically it would appear that only through adversity do we become 'better people'. Better people to each other.
Whenever there is a great catastrophe, disaster, accident we do pull together and support our fellow man and their are outpourings of generosity empathy and kindness. For a moment we all forget our 'wants' and 'needs' and we are thankful for what we have. We are thankful we are not 'them' and we reach out to help 'them'.
However, when things are plentiful and bountiful the opposite becomes true. People become mean, ruthless, isolated, untrusting, guarded. They are focused greatly on hanging onto what they've acquired and dreams of acquiring more. They have less time for neighbors and unfortunate strangers.
I therefor conclude we 'need' adversity because through adversity we become better people. What we don't need though is MORE adversity! I am not suggesting we need anything more than what is already occurring in that department.
To conclude...whatever you have, however fortunate you are...help your fellow man.
LeahG Artist and Designer
Leah left the retail and health management world a few years ago to become a freelance writer and artist. She now enjoys creating funky vibrant cartoons and illsutrations for websites, promotional materials and as gifts. Leah would love to illustrate her own children's books in the future. Presently she is creating cartoon and cartoon mascots for business clients.
Visit LeahG's Cartoon and Illustration Services website here for updates and latest art work.
Leah left the retail and health management world a few years ago to become a freelance writer and artist. She now enjoys creating funky vibrant cartoons and illsutrations for websites, promotional materials and as gifts. Leah would love to illustrate her own children's books in the future. Presently she is creating cartoon and cartoon mascots for business clients.
Visit LeahG's Cartoon and Illustration Services website here for updates and latest art work.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)ExcellentThank you Arlene :)
Hi LeahG.
You've made an excellent point ... but ... if we already have enough adversity, why are we in the state that we are in? I ask that because I just can't help myself. :) But I do agree that we show our best side when we come together to help others who are less fortunate.
Hugs,
DianneHi Dianne, Thank you
The amount of adversity we experience is perhaps proportionate to the population of the planet at any given time. More people..more adversity? More opportunity to show our courage and strength and compassion?That actually bodes ill for the future to my way of thinking. The population is always increasing. I like things calm and peaceful and without a lot of strife. :)Indeed. The greater the population the greater the problems...which is generally why disease and war are introduced whether it by man or nature...it reduces the population.
Whether we like it or not..
Tis the way of things.
I think you're right Leah that adversity makes us better. If we don't experience adversity and challenge we become complacent and don't strive to make ourselves better. You need to face adversity so you can overcome it and appreciate victory which translates to a positive outlook and a positive future. It gives you confidence to carry on.Thank you William.
I figured it out a while ago when wondering why we have all this'bad' in the world and I concluded two things.
First was that we wouldn't even know what 'good' was if it were not for the existance of 'bad'.
Second is my belief in new and old souls. I think some people are 'brand new' souls and perhaps lack the empathy, conscience and wisdom of people who have perhaps lived many times before and have thus more 'evolved' human souls. It's just a thought ;)
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