"Adversity has the same effect on a man that severe training has on the pugilist: it reduces him to his fighting weight"

This quote by Josh Billings is a metaphor comparing the effects of difficulty on a person to the effects of extreme training on a boxer. The quote recommends that adversity can be seen as a type of training, which it can have a favorable result on a person. It suggests that misfortune can assist to strip away any excess luggage or distractions, leaving an individual focused and determined. In the exact same method that a boxer is trained to be lean and in shape, hardship can assist to minimize an individual to their "fighting weight" - a state of psychological and physical preparedness to take on any difficulty. The quote suggests that hardship can be seen as a type of strength training, helping to construct strength and focus. Ultimately, it indicates that hardship can be a positive force in a person's life, assisting them to end up being more powerful and more figured out.