Arrakis teaches the attitude of the knife — chopping off what’s incomplete and saying: “Now it’s complete because it’s ended here.” — Collected Sayings of Muad’Dib

My Take – When things are harsh, all that is superfluous starts to melt or get knocked away.  Bad times simplify things.  “Can I live without this?” is a great way to get rid of the cruft that builds up in your life during easier times.