Do obstacles have inherent abilities?

If an obstacle awakens inherent abilities, then it wasn't an obstacle (after all), it was a catalyst. In my opinion, it's the old half full glass, or half empty glass, or possibly the old lemonade made from a lemon.
And obstacles in managment seminars are supposed to be looked upon as "challenges." Reframe, reframe, reframe.

The meaning of the word 'obstacle' is:

1. An object that stands in the way (and must be removed or surmounted or circumvented). 2. Something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted: "lack of imagination is an obstacle to one's advancement"; "the poverty of a district is an obstacle to good education".

http://ultralingua.com/onlinedictionary/index.html?service=ee&text=obstacle

That which stands in the way, or opposes; anything that hinders progress; a hindrance; an obstruction, physical or moral.

(Please note the word 'moral').

http://www.onelook.com/?other=web1913&w=Obstacle


History speaks of many persons suffering from unsurmountable
obstacles - all of them are not supposed to be challenges. Many accept
them as fate and go through suffering. Some feel that they have the
will power to overcome. I wish to know how many of you could
overcome them to become examples for others.

Poverty is a fact - no one can remove it totally.

I disagree,i think we simply we refuse to remove poverty because of our own greed. But then greed is what keeps us competitive isnt it?

I agree that greed motivates us to ignore poverty, but I disagree that greed is a necessary part of human progress.

I think greed is based on the illusion that the acquisition of things will give us self-worth. I think greed is the "dark" side of the basic human needs for security--having shelter, food, and clothing, and for self-esteem.

Competition isn't necessarily bad, but I believe people can achieve a great deal (and even be financially successful) without competing with others and instead focusing on achieving one's own personal best.