There’s a quote that’s been circulating online for several years now. It’s from a novel by G. Michael Hopf, Those Who Remain:
“Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times.”
This quote succinctly captures the cyclical nature of human civilizations. It takes tremendous effort to build something good. But once the good times arrive, it’s easy to grow complacent, resting on laurels instead of staying vigilant. Over time, this complacency can unravel the very foundations of success, leading to hard times again. History is littered with examples of this cycle playing out across civilizations.
As I watch the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, I can’t help but feel like we’re seeing a microcosm of this cycle in real-time—a small-scale example of our larger historical pattern. Consider these devastating stats:
At least 24 people have died.
The fires have swept through 40,000 acres—an area larger than San Francisco.
Over 12,300 structures have been destroyed.
Losses are estimated at more than $150 billion.
The fires remain uncontained.
It would be easy to blame the destruction solely on climate change, but that explanation feels too convenient. We’ve also heard countless stories of financial mismanagement, corruption, improper resource allocation, and neglect of essential maintenance. All these factors suggest a deeper systemic failure—one that’s been festering over time.
Signs of Decay
This fire reminds me of Hurricane Helene, which impacted my local area just four months ago. For over two months, the roads in my neighborhood were practically one-lane paths, choked by debris piled high on both sides. Even now, I still see remnants of that debris scattered around town. These prolonged recovery periods make me wonder: Are we teetering on the edge of a breakdown?
Nationally, there’s no avoiding the economic shockwaves from rebuilding Los Angeles. The inflationary pressures from construction and insurance costs will ripple across the country. But beyond this immediate crisis, are we prepared for what might come next?
On the surface, America looks strong. But when you dig deeper, cracks begin to appear:
Economic Power: America’s share of global GDP has plummeted from 50% in 1950 to 14% in 2018. Meanwhile, China has surpassed us at 18%. Source: ORF Online
Federal Debt: National debt exceeds $35 trillion, with deficits running in the hundreds of billions every month. Source: PGPF
Obesity: More than 35% of adults in 23 states are classified as obese, with at least 20% of adults obese in every state. Source: CDC
Military Readiness: A Pentagon study shows 77% of young Americans are ineligible for military service due to obesity, drug use, or health issues. Source: Military.com
Healthcare Spending: In 2023, U.S. healthcare spending reached $4.9 trillion, accounting for 17.6% of GDP. Source: CMS.gov
Life Expectancy: Life expectancy in the U.S. was 78.4 years in 2023, lagging behind many other developed nations. Source: CDC
Loneliness Epidemic: Nearly half of Americans report feeling lonely, with political polarization and societal fragmentation exacerbating the issue. Source: MSNBC
Beyond these measurable issues, there are other troubling trends that we can all likely agree upon. The erosion of civil discourse, the rise of performative activism, and the increasing prevalence of "echo chambers" in our social and digital spaces are chipping away at our ability to connect, collaborate, and solve problems. These societal fractures, while harder to quantify, are undeniably shaping the fabric of our nation and adding to the collective fragility.
These statistics and trends paint a picture of a nation in decline. We are undisciplined, divided, and increasingly fragile.
Turning the Tide
This brings me to President John F. Kennedy’s timeless challenge:
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
Solving these problems requires action at both the national and individual levels. It’s not enough to demand systemic change without looking inward. We need to ask ourselves tough questions:
Are we taking care of our physical and mental health?
Are we contributing to our communities and society at large?
Are we preparing the next generation to face challenges head-on?
As for me, I’m working on improving myself and contributing where I can. But I also recognize that the national picture looks grim, and it will take collective effort to turn things around.
So, I leave you with this question:
Are you a strong or a weak person?