Elysium

The Necessity of Suffering

Posted by snow under Theory

To the pessimist, the human future is bleak. For all the advancements we have made in the last millenia, little has really changed: we no longer kill ourselves with sticks, but rifles. We still fight over resources, often resources we don’t need. The base instincts haven’t changed, though the way they manifest themselves have. Going along this line of thought, there is no real point to improving the quality of life for humans. Even if we expand into space, increase our numbers and wealth exponentially, we will never appreciate it because we will expect ever more luxuries and appeciate ever less. What then is the point when those centuries ago lived more happily than us now (albeit shorter).

Here is where suffering plays a key role. Suffering is like the shadow cast behind the object. If more light shines but there are no shadows, it’s hard to tell how bright it really is. Suffering from war, poverty, insecurity, oppression, grief, confusion, social unrest, or anything that breaks the established order of society makes us appreciate the true value of life and all that we have. Waking up with the reality that there is a chance that i may never see my loved ones again makes me appreciate and cherish them that much more. Consider the value of the last few months of a cancer patient’s life and the wonders some of these individuals have accomplished in that time.

So, those lost in wars, or those suffering cruel fates are a (unwilling) sacrifices that bring about greater happiness for the majority. It is the sacrifice of this minority that gives humanity hope, a clearer sense of values and a better appreciation for life even if it’s just for a single generation.