The Fall

Many people today think of the Fall as a terrible thing, and Adam and Eve as not so good people. There certainly is a good argument for holding this view, but there is an alternate; one that brings new understanding and purpose to life.
When Adam and Eve were first created in the Garden of Eden, they were in a state of innocence. They were much like children. They did not have to work to sustain themselves. They knew very little about the world they lived in, and they did not know the difference between good and evil. Additionally, they could not have children. (2 Nephi 2:22-23)
God gave them several commandments. One was to not partake of the forbidden fruit. God also gave them free will, so that they could choose for themselves what they would do.
Adam and Eve both eventually ate the forbidden fruit, and thus became imperfect. They had to leave the Garden. Because of this choice that they made, there were some very negative consequences that became part of the world that we now live in. First was physical death. Adam and Eve were now mortal, and would experience all the pains, sorrows, and humility that life can bring. Second, and more important, was spiritual death. As physical death is a separation of body and spirit, spiritual death is a separation of man from God. This meant that Adam and Eve could no longer live in God’s presence, for no unclean thing can dwell with God. (1 Nephi 10:21)
There are some positive effects of the Fall. Adam and Eve could now have children. This made possible the entire human race. They also were now able to learn and progress; they could use their new found knowledge to choose between good and evil and they could experience the consequences of their choices.
Most of all, Adam and Eve, and the rest of the human race, could have joy. Adam fell that men might be, men are that they may have joy. (2 Nephi 2:25) This is the underlying purpose to everything that we do in life. Even though life is difficult sometimes, it is always possible to be happy.