watchers? pain defines who we are?

[Sharkdude1]

Hey all. New here, but regular reader of sci fi for 20+ years.

I am trying to rediscover an author and story I vaguely recall.

Premise was a guy started a new society and would periodically go into some type of deep sleep, emerging only every 50-1000? years or so to do a status check on his people and lead them.
Well, at some distant future point, the society has evolved where there are dedicated watchers? to protect everyone from everything, including physical and emotional pain.
Well, the founder is dismayed and tries to correct the situation.
I seem to recall an underlying theme was something to the effect that 'it is our pain and suffering that defines us and makes life worth living'.

any idea of the author and story/novel title?

any help much appreciated.

Chris
Garden Grove, CA

[anotherjennifer]

That's the Worthing Chronicle, by Orson Scott Card.

[Sharkdude1]

Thank you Jennifer.
This is excatly what I am looking for.

Now, to find a used copy so .I can reread and discover again.