Arnold Schwarzenegger - a man synonymous with strength - has voiced his concerns about America's younger generations.
The former California governor believes that the nation might be sheltering its youth too much, potentially setting them up for failure in life's tougher battles.
In a candid discussion with Howard Stern on SiriusXM, he remarked that the road we're currently on might be leading to "creating a generation of wimps and weak people" - as wants to remind America not to lose sight of the growth that comes from discomfort, struggle, and failure.
Drawing parallels between the strength of character and bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger believes resilience is cultivated through adversity. "There’s no shortcut, you have to put the work in […] The human mind can only grow through resistance.
"You can only strengthen your character and become a really strong person inside if you have resistance, if you fail, if you get up again and if you work hard," he told Stern.
Schwarzenegger then compared the mettle of past generations with today's youth. "What built this country? Is it people that slept in? Is it people that were wimping out? This, ‘Oh, I want to feel good. Oh, I want to be comfortable.’ No," he emphasized, hailing the brave men and women who laid the foundation of America with their sheer grit.
"This is where ballsy women and men that went out there at 5 in the morning and got up and they struggled and they fought, and they worked their butts off," the Jingle All The Way Star continued. "That’s what made this country great. And so now let’s continue this way."
"Don't start creating a generation of wimps and weak people, and stuff like that," he added, highlighting the risks of worrying about hurting somebody's feelings.
While understanding and empathy are crucial in any society, Schwarzenegger warns against overcompensation, which can border on "overbabying".
Interestingly, Schwarzenegger also points out that while society plays a role, individuals must also take accountability. Those who avoid discomfort or pamper themselves to avoid adversity might be doing themselves a disservice. He argues: "Anybody that tries to baby themselves, and pamper themselves and protect themselves -- 'Oh, I don’t want to feel bad, I don’t really want to go through any discomfort' -- It’s over! You’re never going to get there."
To truly grow and develop resilience, he believes one must embrace the very things they dread: "Pain, misery, and discomfort." He poignantly adds: "The more you experience the things you really don’t like, the more you can grow and the tougher you can get."
Schwarzenegger emphasized the importance of seeking challenges and pushing boundaries for personal growth. "So many young kids today have shied away from that. But you have to be attracted to that."
So, do you agree with Arnie? Is modern society overly protective? And are we missing the lessons that come from struggle?
