Character is best forged by Mental Pain

Some common grounds have already been established,some that we have agreed on and some we differ.Now we are at a stage crucial on how we are to proceed.In most cases when two people disagree ego steps in to shows its ugly face,the best case scenario would be the other person ends up agreeing.By using Einstein you assume that he was correct on all his"theory's",his quest for truths started with his experiences and were unique to him and his surroundings.He also had his whole life searching and trying to uncover the world's truths,like most of us we seek the meanings of life,but unfortunately and in reality the best-informed man is not necessarily the wisest.An other debate perhaps.We do agree on"learning"from debating,but why we differ on the winning aspect is.Like presidential debates their obsessiveness of winning has blind-sighted their real objectives,and that is to explain how issues can be solved or worked out.If we suggest that our opponent is wrong for disagreeing with us,he is likely to get angry and concentrate only on winning the argument,not on understanding the points we are trying to make. This only leads to further cloud the real issues,if we turn out to be wrong after ridiculing our opponent,we then must either refuse to acknowledge the truth or suffer considerable embarrassment.There is a danger in the multiplicity of knowledge where we can lose sight of what is essential,this seems to be happening more and more as man so arrogantly thinks he has all the answers. Again my understanding of adversity is through my own experiences as yours is,and many others. Your fervent beliefs that this forges the"best"character does not convince me or the many that "have" a wonderful character "without" experiencing"any"adversity's(and for them I say praise the Lord)Like a parent who protects their children,(but informing them of the possible adversity's,Murphy's Law if you will) you always hope their lives will be better. As they grow they will face some serious trials such as deaths in war or of loved ones at home,etc.but by good parenting, mentoring,we can make these young new lives build character by teaching the foundations of good character,be honest,don't cheat or steal,be reliable,have courage to do the right thing,build a good reputation,be loyal,stand by your family,friends and country. As you have stated you have experienced Mental Pain which in turn made you a better person,but unless they die,they come back stronger than before,much like a broken bone heals stronger than it was originally.You left out the many millions who barely survived, and the quality of their life is so diminished most are unable to even do the slightest things we all take for granted.My point is this,most of these folks have experienced more mental anguish than imaginable yet they still are beacons of light that inspire us on what it means to be humble.Facing your adversity's and portraying the effects they have had on you,like you said should not apply to all as they are your experiences. And in general that is my point,mental pain does not necessarily make a better character,an example how we should approch character development,The Wooden Bowl: A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.But, the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess."We must do something about father," said the son."I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating,and food on the floor."So,the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There,Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two,his food was served in a wooden bowl! When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction,sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.Still,the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-yearold watched it all in silence. One evening before supper,the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly,"What are you making?"Just as sweetly,the boy responded,"Oh,I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up."The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless.Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.Though no word was spoken,both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back back to the family table.For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family.And for some reason,neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped,milk spilled,or the tablecloth soiled.