Meaning: This quote by Harry Fosdick, a prominent American clergyman, encapsulates the idea that adversity and challenges are essential for the development of strength and resilience in individuals. Fosdick suggests that hardship and calamity are not merely obstacles to be overcome, but rather the very catalysts for the growth of admirable human characteristics such as courage and hardihood. The quote implies that it is through facing and overcoming difficulties that individuals are able to cultivate the virtues and traits that are most valued in human nature.

The first part of the quote, "He who knows no hardships will know no hardihood," speaks to the idea that without experiencing difficulties and challenges, individuals will not develop the resilience and fortitude necessary to confront and overcome adversity. Hardihood, in this context, refers to courage, strength, and toughness in the face of hardship. Fosdick suggests that without the experience of hardships, individuals may lack the inner strength and perseverance that comes from overcoming obstacles.

The second part of the quote, "He who faces no calamity will need no courage," further emphasizes the importance of adversity in cultivating courage. Calamity refers to a disastrous event or situation, and Fosdick implies that without facing such calamities, individuals may not have the opportunity to exercise and develop their courage. It is through confronting and navigating through challenging circumstances that individuals are able to tap into their inner reservoirs of courage and resilience.

The concluding statement, "Mysterious though it is, the characteristics in human nature which we love best grow in a soil with a strong mixture of troubles," underscores the enigmatic nature of the relationship between hardship and the development of admirable human characteristics. Fosdick suggests that the virtues and traits that are most cherished in human nature, such as courage, resilience, and strength, are paradoxically nurtured and strengthened in the midst of troubles and challenges. It is in the fertile ground of adversity that these virtues take root and flourish, ultimately shaping individuals into their best selves.

The quote as a whole conveys the idea that while hardships and calamities may be difficult and daunting, they also serve a crucial purpose in the development of human character. Rather than being seen as purely negative experiences, Fosdick suggests that these challenges are essential for fostering the virtues and qualities that are most admired in individuals.

In essence, Fosdick's quote serves as a reminder that adversity is not merely a test of one's strength, but also a means through which strength and courage are cultivated. It encourages individuals to embrace the challenges they face, recognizing that it is through these difficulties that they will grow and develop the admirable qualities that define their character.