In Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms," the author reflects on the inevitability of suffering and how it impacts individuals differently. He suggests that while everyone experiences hardship, those who endure and adapt become stronger in their vulnerabilities. This resilience transforms the pain into a source of fortitude, highlighting a fundamental truth about the human experience.

However, the quote also underscores the danger of resisting the challenges life presents. Hemingway warns that failing to confront one's struggles can lead to a slow, inevitable demise. The narrative emphasizes that both the gentle and the courageous are not exempt from the consequences of life's trials, suggesting that everyone must grapple with their own struggles, or face their own unique forms of defeat.