Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men, and weak men create hard times

The founder of Dubai was once asked, "What do you see in the future of your nation?" 

He replied, "My grandfather rode a camel. My father rode a camel. I drive a Mercedes. My son drives a Range Rover. My grandson will drive a Range Rover. But my great-grandson will ride a camel again." 

Confused, they asked, "Why?" 

He said, "Hard times create strong men. Strong men create easy times. Easy times create weak men, and weak men create hard times."

Then he added, "Many people won't understand this, but if you want a strong nation, you must raise warriors, not parasites." 

And history proves him right. The Persians, the Trojans, the Egyptians, the Greeks, the Romans, and even the British Empire, none of them were destroyed by enemies. They collapsed from within. Because when comfort replaces struggle, decay begins.

People are forced to adapt, put in more effort, and build strength during difficult times because they have no other option. When those resilient individuals are successful, they establish security and comfort, making life easier for the following generation. Comfort can eventually erode responsibility and discipline, resulting in weakness and bad choices. Eventually, that weakness leads to new difficulties, and the cycle starts over. 

That famous cyclical quote is often attributed to author G. Michael Hopf, appearing in his novel Those Who Remain, and describes a philosophy where hardship builds resilience, comfort breeds complacency, and the resulting weakness leads to new struggles, though its historical accuracy is debated, with some seeing it as a warning about societal decline.