Adversity is a state of wretchedness and misfortune created by financial, political dangers, or unfortunate hardships, but how does adversity play a role in an individuals life? According to the Roman poet, Horace, adversity brings out or elicits talents that may have not been created if it were not for adversity. This misfortune and difficult time in an individuals life does play a large role in the establishment of talent and accomplishments, defending Horaces point.
In the novel Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bront, the protagonist and narrator of the novel, Jane Eyre, experiences this outcome through the hardships of her life. Jane, a young orphan, grows and develops in Gateshead Hall, where her aunt and cousins live. Her aunt treats her with extreme hate, isolating her from the world in a nursery. She is then sent to live in an institute of learning for charity children. This location is not at all suited for young, developing women like Jane. Through these awful and humiliating experienced, Jane gains the knowledge of how not to treat a child. What came out of her adversity is her teaching ability. Jane used the lessons learned from her misfortune of her previous circumstanced to teach others at Lowood and eventually a young girl at Thornfield.
Bethany Hamilton became an international sensation when she lost her arm and nearly lost her life in a shark attack while surfing off the coast of Hawaii. Despite the attack, Hamilton, 19 years old, has proved she can still compete with the best of them right back in the water one month later. The Kauai native has become known for her courage, positive attitude and fierce competitive spirit.
"To me, it's like never getting in a car because you're afraid of a collision. Not surfing doesn't work for me," Hamilton stated.
Through the adversity in her life, Hamilton touched a large number of people with her message, charitable efforts, and overall spirit. Bethany just launched her own foundation, which supports shark attack survivors, traumatic amputees, and serves to inspire others through her adversity.
Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City newspaper for not being creative enough and was considered slow as a child. He is now considered one of the best-known motion picture producers in the world, and holds the record for the most awards and most nominations. Walt Disney put it best when he said, All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.
As shown, adversity can be beat. If it had not had been for Janes isolation from family and lack of support, she would not have had the courage and drive to make something of herself as a leader and role model. If it had not been for the devastating attacking on Bethany Hamilton, she would not be where she is today as a courageous surfer and charitable contributor. Walt Disney and his learning disability exemplify accomplishing anything one puts his or her mind to. Adversity does not only put one in a state of wretchedness and misfortune, it also can change the individuals life by bringing out talents in which would have not been previously developed. With adversity comes creativity and opportunity, as seen in the examples. Concurring with Horace, adversity really does bring out prosperous circumstances.
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