Smooth roads never makes good drivers.

I quite like that analogy and yes I believe that those who never have to face problems never get to learn fully about themselves and their capabilities. There are times when the challenges are so difficult that it is only much, much later that we are able to see something positive that we have learned about ourselves from having to face up to and deal with them. There are some challenges that we wouldn't wish even on our worst enemies as well - how can you ever take something positive from something as awful as losing a child say? That is an experience that the most challenged people have to face and though I don't have children, I cannot imagine how anyone could ever find something positive that they had achieved from that experience even if they did seem to find a way to be strong enough to cope with it.... I do believe that each of our experiences does shape us though for better or worse and the way we deal with problems is an indicator of our inner personality and values. I guess that's why some people seem to cope better than others when problems and challenges come along.

I agree, with this in driving AND as a metaphor for life. The struggles we go through make us stronger (hence the cliche: what doesnt' kill us makes us stronger). Even in driving this holds true. After you experience hellish road conditions or an accident, everything else seems like a breeze.

I agree partially to this discussion. However, it is nicer to drive on a smooth road than a bad one. On the other hand, it can be a boring drive. I'd rather a road be slightly rough so that it holds the tires well.

Yes...I do believe in this. I believe if life is not having any thrill, then what is the meaning it is having? I have been gifted only one life. So, I expect everything to come in my life. I will face the challenges. If life will be that much smooth, then I will never learn to fight. I will never know how to face it. But I must say..till now I have faced lot of challenges in my proffessional life and also in my personal life too. Yes...I never ask this question.."Why ME?" Because if I will spend the time in thinking this...then I will lose some more time..and I will never do that.

Smooth roads have the possibility of a boring life. Too many divots and bumps in the road have the possibility of a none joyous life. I believe there should be a balance between the two to create a life of wonderment and challenges.