"I know that pain is the most important thing in the universes. Greater than survival, greater than love, greater even than the beauty it brings about. For without pain, there can be no pleasure. Without sadness, there can be no happiness. Without misery there can be no beauty. And without these, life is endless, hopeless, doomed and damned. Adult. You have become adult."
― Harlan Ellison, Paingod and Other Delusions
I think that this is one of those truths that is extremely difficult for most people to accept, yet is so foundational to what it means to be a human. We cannot grow in character without facing adversity, pain, or frustration. Suffering is a catalyst to growth.
For example, any athlete that wants to be competitive must subject themselves to strict training and discipline to get better. This is a type of physical pain, literally breaking apart the muscle fibers so they can reconnect and become stronger.
I believe it is the same principle when developing inner qualities that we lift up as noble in our culture. How can you grow in courage without facing fear? How can you grow in love without putting aside your hate? How can you learn patience without being faced with tedium and frustration? These things go hand in hand.
Thanks for the quote!
Thank you for the comment ! Indeed I think that the principle of polarity is inherent in life. We should be aware of this ;)
In the case of the athlete, it's also suffering for suffering's sake in training. If you are going to beat your opponent you need to know what it feels like to go beyond your limits and keep going.
I think it was Jaques Anquetil who said
which hints at something else too, but I love the quote so much I wanted to throw it in here.
Nice
Thanks @sansebastian =)
All are part and parcel of life, but given a choice I'd certainly nullify pain. The struggle makes the journey worthwhile, yet many would want to wish it away. Individual perspectives I suppose.
Thanks @jznsamuel ! Yes I think we need challenges and sometimes to struggle. How could we appreciate things if there were no difficulties ? 👍
dope man ,upvote :)
Thanks mate !
ex-cyclist here, so really with you on this one. Cycling is suffering, and suffering can lead to glory.
But seriously, I have always lived my life taking risks, and have suffered plenty of pain as a result.
I have probably spread more pain than is ideal, but hey, others need to grow too. ;)
Following you my good fellow. Thanks for all the crypto info as a newbie I really appreciate it, and I also appreciate going for these other posts too.
big hugs