Opening quote of my new book, Sleep Only Gets in the Way:


“Heaven, when it is about to place a great responsibility on a man, always first tests his resolution, wears out his sinews and bones with toil. Exposes his body to starvation, subjects him to extreme poverty, frustrates his efforts so as to stimulate his mind, toughen his nature and make good his deficiencies. Men for the most part can mend their ways only after they made mistakes. Only when they are frustrated in mind and in their deliberations can they stand up anew. Only when their intentions become visible on their countenances and audible in their voices can they be understood by others. As a rule, a state without law abiding families and trustworthy Gentlemen on the one hand, and on the other, without the threat of external aggression, will perish. Only then do we realize that anxiety and distress lead to life and that ease and comfort end in death.”

—Mencius, Book VI Kao-Tzu
Part II, 15