Human Suffering

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Human Suffering

Human suffering happens every day, everywhere, in many types and ways all around us. We do not always see it, but that does not mean it does not exist. When we do see it exist we commonly ask ourselves, "Does human suffering have meaning?" I can answer this question easily. Yes, it does have meaning. I can answer this because of the four readings we read. However, as I examine this question deeper I see that the four readings have different ideas on "meaning" or the reason for suffering. Looking at the definition of the verb (to) suffer, "feel or undergo pain; sustain damage or loss," we see that suffering is something that can happen because of more than one action. Each of the readings explained a different way of suffering. In their basics, some described mental suffering and others described physical suffering. But, more deeply than that each reading contains a certain kind of suffering. The Epic of Gilgamesh describes that suffering is caused by death. The Book of Job describes how suffering is caused by sickness, loss of possessions, or loved ones. Buddhist explains suffering caused by our mental anguish. Night describes suffering caused by others. These readings give us meaning to suffering so that in the future we can avoid suffering, and if we can not avoid it we can at least explain it.

The Epic of Gilgamesh tells us that suffering happens because of love. Gilgamesh suffered only because he loved Enkidu. After Enkidu was killed by the serpent Gilgamesh suffered tremendously. This was an example mental suffering. Gilgamesh did not bring on Enkidu's death. It was his desire for Enkidu to die. It just happened fighting the serpent. He deeply mourned his brother's death. This...

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...t reasons. Losing a loved one, someone who you were close too, can send you into a state of depression. A loved one is a person who was apart of you. When they go, you start to wonder when you will go. You suffer mentally. God could potentially test even his best followers. This would explain the unexplained suffering. If our mind is not on the right path we could cause ourselves mental anguish. We would suffer mentally because of our desire and cravings. Even if you make it past all that, you could suffer physically by the hands of others. Some sick and demented person could find a reason and the force to persecute you. No madder how it happens it is still suffering. It can be avoided in one case, but then come back at you, unavoidable, and hit you the same when you don't expect it. Any one of us could feel or undergo pain, or sustain damage or loss.

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