Become New with John Ortberg 27. The Risk of an Un-Risky Life | John Ortberg
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Jul 22, 2025 Discover why living a life devoid of risks can weaken our spirits. John Ortberg emphasizes that challenges, much like the stress wind for trees, are essential for personal growth. He discusses how embracing frustrations can build resilience, especially in children, contrasting fragile and anti-fragile responses to life’s hurdles. Through intriguing examples, the idea that facing life’s obstacles fosters a stronger faith and character shines through, revealing the transformative power of risk and challenge.
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Stress Builds Strength in Trees
- Trees planted in a perfect environment grew fast but fell before maturity due to lack of stress exposure.
- Stress like wind makes trees develop strong stress wood, making them resilient and able to sustain life.
Glass Vase Fragility Anecdote
- John Ortberg shared a story about an antique store where a baby on his back accidentally knocked over a glass vase.
- This illustrates the fragility of certain things and the need for caution in risky environments.
Anti-Fragility of Living Beings
- Living beings can be "anti-fragile," meaning they grow stronger when exposed to stress and challenges.
- The immune system exemplifies this by needing exposure to risks, like allergens, to build resistance.
