Maybe things are too EZ?

I've been considering hardship, and the impact of hardship on human character. Does it destroy or does it build? I have precious little experience on that front. I am not complaining but will freely admit I've had, so far, an easy life. And I wonder.  I wonder would I be stronger, better, had I faced more hardship? Compared to my ancestors and to the pioneers of my culture my life has been easy, and I am soft emotionally, physically, and, probably spiritually as well.