The one who has undergone gymnastic training will not be disheartened in the arena when he gets hit, but will immediately attack the opponent, despising momentary affliction in order to be named the champion. So also, when those who love virtue encounter something unpleasant, it will not hinder their joy. For suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us. [Rom 5.3—5] Therefore the Apostle exhorts us, in another place, to rejoice in hope and hope in distress. [Rom 12.12]

—St. Basil the Great, On Fasting and Feasts, Homily Against Drunkards