How much of assumed national and personal character comes from the fact that we have never truly known need to the point of having our character tested? Willing conscientious objectors underwent controlled starvation and confirmed how quickly it impacts the initiative and generosity we like to think of as "American" characteristics.
Nathaniel Philbrick, In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
adversity, compassion, empathy, grace-of-god, prosperity