<p>Prompt: Do changes that make our lives easier not necessarily make them better? Plan and write blah blah…</p>
<p>A common myth is that an easy life is a good life. However, changes that make ones life easier do not necessarily make life better. Charles Dickens’ Pip exemplifies this phenomenon. Lance Armstrong also proves this true.</p>
<p>In Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” the protagonist Pip starts off as an impecunious lad. Through a twist of fate he is sent off to London to become a gentleman. Pip immediately thinks his woes are gone once he hears this news, but he is wrong. As Pip starts to become a member of “proper society” he faces a major conundrum; Pip becomes torn between two worlds. Pip feels he owes his stepfather Joe, who took care of him, but at the same time he feels he must abandon Joe, who is an oaf unfit for Pip’s new world. There was a point in time where poverty was Pip’s only problem, but after that problem is taken care of a greater emotional conflict is born.</p>
<p>Lance Armstrong shows that adversity can actually make life better than complacency could. Armstrong was one of the greatest cyclists in the world- and then he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After facing adversity head on, Armstrong beat the cancer and was ready to race again. Since then he has gone on to win the prestigious Tour de France multiple times. But more importantly, Armstrong became a symbol of hope. His story showed the world the strength of the human spirit. Because of the tough path Armstrong was forced to tread Armstrong’s life was completely changed. Armstrong fought through that path and came out a better man because of it.</p>
<p>“Comfort breeds complacency” they say, and complacency does not lead to a better life. As shown by Pip, an easier life does not mean a better life. And like Armstrong showed, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Adversity is indeed the spice of life.</p>
<p>Ugh. I spent the first 5 minutes of that trying to think of examples. That should have been better.</p>