Rust
Member
- Aug 28, 2024
- 68
As the title says, do you see value in suffering? I know this is a vague question, but I'm mostly talking about those moments of deep introspection. When all the accumulated struggles of life sort of forces you to reassess everything, and it noticeably changes you. For example, maybe you had a turning point in life and discovered religion. Or maybe instead of religion you delved into philosophy. I'm not sure if that makes any sense, but I've seen it happen to a few people.
What's interesting to me is that it seems almost like a human instinct to find some meaning to past troubles. Like the time spent in misery couldn't have been for nothing and that there had to be some lesson learned that few would understand unless they traveled down the same path. And I guess I wanted to find out if this is true, or if maybe all the over-thinking is just a sunk cost and anything we learn down the path is pointless?
Personally I'm a bit pessimistic. I've gone through periods where I've built up a nice way of thinking about life, only to have it smashed to pieces shortly after, and then I have to rebuild. In that sense, it all seems pointless. But I do think it matures people quicker. I've seen people who looked down on others purely because they were born in a rich family turn humble really quickly in the face of adversity. In general though, everyone who I've seen go through this experience has landed up being a more decent human being.
If my ramblings made any sense, and if you still think I'm a sane person, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. Also apologies if I don't reply. Social anxiety cripples me, but I do appreciate every response!
What's interesting to me is that it seems almost like a human instinct to find some meaning to past troubles. Like the time spent in misery couldn't have been for nothing and that there had to be some lesson learned that few would understand unless they traveled down the same path. And I guess I wanted to find out if this is true, or if maybe all the over-thinking is just a sunk cost and anything we learn down the path is pointless?
Personally I'm a bit pessimistic. I've gone through periods where I've built up a nice way of thinking about life, only to have it smashed to pieces shortly after, and then I have to rebuild. In that sense, it all seems pointless. But I do think it matures people quicker. I've seen people who looked down on others purely because they were born in a rich family turn humble really quickly in the face of adversity. In general though, everyone who I've seen go through this experience has landed up being a more decent human being.
If my ramblings made any sense, and if you still think I'm a sane person, I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. Also apologies if I don't reply. Social anxiety cripples me, but I do appreciate every response!
