Avery ancient article from about 2,500 years ago by Chinese philosopher Meng Zi(Mengzi): 

Shun was summoned from the furrows of the fields; 

Fu Yue was lifted from the ranks of the wall-builders; 

Jiao Ge was promoted from among the fish-and-salt vendors; 

Guan Zhong was appointed while still a prisoner; 

Sun Shuao was chosen from the seashore; 

and Baili Xi was picked out of the marketplace. 

Therefore, when Heaven is about to entrust a person with a great responsibility, 

it first distresses his mind and will, 

fatigues his sinews and bones, 

starves his body, 

impoverishes his life, 

and frustrates his undertakings, 

in order to stir his spirit, 

harden his nature, 

and increase his abilities. 

People generally err before they can reform; 

only when their hearts are oppressed and their thoughts constrained do they give rise to achievement.