The purpose of pain I: a Philosophical Perspective.

My scramble to found meaning behind all the suffering in the world and to understand the purpose of pain compelled me to take refuge in the chapters of philosophy. Now, philosophy is a body of study which I think focuses passionately on finding out the reasons for our existence, what purpose do we have, and what sort of a life one ought to live. I was sure that indulging in philosophy would provide me with at least some clarity in the puzzle I was faced with: why do we all suffer so much? I hoped that my agitated mind would achieve a modicum of relief after studying what the most fundamental philosophies of the world have to say about the purpose of pain.

In my research, I was familiarized with various philosophical schools of thought and their take on the existence and necessity of pain. This article contains a brief elaboration of these schools of thought. I will also try to express the progress that I achieved in my quest to understand pain.

Listed below are some of the major philosophical schools of thought and their take on pain.

1. Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical approach that studies the purpose and meaning behind the existence of human beings. Existentialists see pain as an unavoidable aspect of life. They perceive pain as an instrument that gives meaning to life. It gives life purpose.

Just think about it. If I ask you to remember the happiest moments of your life, there is a high probability that those events would in some way or another be associated with pain.

For example, one of your fondest memories may be finally getting a job you were passionate about. You didn’t get that job without any struggle, did you? You must have been immensely patient and have had to face a lot of rejection to eventually get the opportunity you always wanted.

There will be many such examples in you life. The thought-provoking question here is: would these events have the same meaning and the same amount of happiness attributed to it if you take out pain from the equation. Certainly not.

So, it can be said that the purpose of pain is a positive one. And that is to provide meaning and depth to our life experiences, without which they would be frivolous.

2. Stoicism

Like existentialists, stoics also believe that pain and suffering are unavoidable. However, stoicism focuses more on the response to these adversities. They see pain as an opportunity. Stoics opine that the purpose of pain is to present a challenge in life. And if you face that challenge with courage, you can ensure self-growth, resilience and inner peace.

Let’s break this down. Now, think of all the times in life you worked on yourself or you did something that resulted in self-growth. Weren’t these circumstances induced by some sort of pain.

For example, you had a bad break-up. And this compelled you to re-evaluate your entire personality so that you could understand the reasons behind the break-up. As a result, you pointed out the flaws in your persona, worked on improving those areas, and emerged as a better person.

Now just think. If you hadn’t felt heart-broken and had suffered, would you ever have been compelled to shed your flaws and become a better version of yourself? Never.

3. Buddhism

Buddhists have a slightly different take on pain, though not in any way erroneous. The Buddhists believe that pain is caused by being too attached to perishable things. Now these can be material wealth, the beauty of youth, any relationship, or even a person. The solution according to them is detachment, meditation and mindfulness.

The Buddhist philosophy can be supported by the notion that with the increase in illnesses like depression, anxiety and chronic stress, we have seen a natural shift towards mindfulness and meditation in the masses. People are increasingly aversive towards the hustle and bustle of the Cosmo political lifestyle and seem to grow increasingly affinitive towards nature and minimalism.

However, I slightly disagree with the Buddhist philosophy, in the most respective and humble way on the point of detachment. I agree and even deem it necessary to detach from the love of materialism. However, detachment from people and relationships, I think, is not possible. I say that because we humans are innately social creatures and we find our meaning and comfort in meaningful relationships. Therefore, I think that we should be mindful of which relationships are worthy of being deeply attached to and risking emotional pain, and which relationships are just superficial. Through this formula, I believe, detachment can be practiced productively.

4. Hinduism

Hinduism deems pain and suffering as a consequence of karma i.e., sins we have committed in our previous lives. This school of thought purports that liberation from suffering can be achieved by moksha i.e., breaking the cycle of rebirth.

Again, I would humbly disagree to some aspect with this philosophy (although, I am open to being corrected by anyone who wishes to do so) as it attributes the entirety of suffering to the actions of an individual. This may prove to be a more depressing prospect for innocent people suffering for apparently having done something in their previous life, of which they have no control.

However, there is also a positive prospect of the Hindu philosophy. It holds the individual responsible for his actions. This can ultimately provide motivation for self-improvement.

5. Christianity

The Fall and the presence of sin in the world are causse of the pain and suffering in the world according to Christianity. Furthermore, the death of Jesus on the cross is seen as a sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. The Fall refers to the descent of Adam and Eve on the earth from heaven as a result of disobeying the command of God and eating the forbidden fruit.

6. Islam

Islamic philosophy views pain and suffering as tests from God. God puts people in trials and trepidation to test the purity and strength of their faith. It is also an opportunity to gain rewards in the afterlife if you remain patient and tolerate the tests of life with courage and gratitude.

God tests His believers with difficulties in life so that they snap into reality from the hustle and bustle of life and ask for his graciousness and mercy. This is an opportunity for the atonement of their sins. Also, the purpose of pain according to Islam is also to induce empathy in the society and encourage community building.

7. Nietzschean philosophy

To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering. (Nietzsche)

Nietzsche believed pain had a magnanimous purpose. He believed pain was absolutely essential to our growth. The only way to achieve greatness and transcend our limitations was to embrace the struggle of existence and the sufferings of life.

In the pursuit of the purpose of pain I found myself in the corridors of philosophy. Looking at things through the lens of philosophy was a great solace. However, the journey has not ended here. I still have to dive deeper in this quest into the literature of psychology and neurobiology. In the upcoming articles I will try to explore those subjects. Till then, I hope this article gives you something to think about.