The Biosphere science research center in Oracle Arizona was built to study the interactions between humans, farming, technology and nature. The sealed, 3.14 acre vivarium housed five biome areas including a rainforest, a small ocean with a coral reef, a mangrove wetlands, a savannah grassland, and a small desert. Its agricultural system was intended to be self-sustaining, with no requirement for externally-sourced energy or atmospheric gases.

One of the unforeseen outcomes of the Biosphere project included the numerous trees that would grow to a particular height and then just fall over under their own weight. Puzzled researchers finally determined that the absence of wind in this near-perfect environment prevented the trees from developing the strength they needed to live to – and through – maturity. It turns out that the wind stress – almost to the point of breaking – is a critical part of a tree’s healthy life.

So it is with us. While a near-perfect environment sounds awfully appealing, if we are shielded and protected from stress and challenges, we never fully develop wisdom, emotional stability, and strength of character.