What is the Purpose of Suffering?

Please look out for my eBook release this Thursday February 15th - ‘Notes from a Pretend Philosopher’.

2 minute read

Welcome to my Sunday newsletter. Every Sunday hundreds of you wonderful people read my newsletter and I appreciate you all.

My sincere hope is no suffering is endured when reading today’s email and you find value.

Suffering!

We know how hard life can be. Fortunately for the majority of people life is a bed of roses. Comfortable, safe and loving.

Even those most comfortable will endure suffering. Some endure suffering most of their lives through the action of others, illness, or born into poverty.

In any situation you care to mention there is one irrefutable fact—how you react to unavoidable suffering is up to you.

Some people will search out suffering. If the suffering is an ice bath and exercise then this is beneficial. However, if the suffering is negative and is searched out then this is not heroic but masochistic and idiotic. Avoid painful suffering.

Unavoidable suffering is the real true test of your character.

I recently read Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl. Part of the book covers how does someone survive a concentration camp. Frankl observed that it was the men who had meaning to their life or discovered meaning through the suffering.

A strong mind is needed to find meaning when you’re experiencing extreme suffering.

How do we find meaning when we suffer?

When you lose someone close to you there is inevitable grief. There’s meaning in love and your love is lost forever. How you react to the grief is either strong or not. Grieve with emotion. Grieve for time. During the grief can you do good for others, read, write, and return to work when the worst part of the grieving process is over?

I hope during a period of suffering when you meet people you’re interested in their life and knowledge. I make this point because you want to avoid bringing up past trauma whenever you meet friends or new people. If you’re asked how you feel by a good friend or family then share but don’t keep dredging up your suffering at every available opportunity as this is neither helpful or comfortable for the people you’re talking to.

However, reach out to the right people if you need help.

You’re involved in a car accident which is or isn’t your fault and you’re seriously injured. You’re attitude towards recovery and physio therapy is you’re responsibilty. You’re fully accountable for your actions. Find meaning in your rehabilitation and be heroic. The accident has happened so there’s no possibility of changing history.

The person who reacts to suffering with a growth mindset. Reading, writing, and socialising. Filling their time with meaningful activities. Finding meaning in their suffering. Using the suffering as a positive influence.

Suffering is what it is. Never easy. Reacting to suffering with meaning is very difficult which is why it’s worthwhile and fulfilling to do so.

All the best to you all always ❤️

Tony

Wise Philosophy