It seems to me that one can experience intense pain, and that there is much suffereing in the world. I have never felt intense pleasure that can even match or hold a candle to the intense agonizing pain I have felt at times. Do you think there is a balnce, or do we just tell ourselves that to make ourselves feel better?
2007-02-18 19:39:10 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
The perception of pain and pleasure are subjective, so this varies with every person, their genes, and their experiences.
Many scientists think that mood disorders and the experience of joy are related to the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin. There's also evidence that we remember the past in a more positive way than it actually was.
Personally, I've dealt with depression for years. Sometimes it helps when I exercise (implying hormonal roots). Other times I'm notoriously pessimistic to the point where I want to die. But it seems to be less related to the world around me and more about how my brain processes what I sense. I also know individuals who are bubbly, cheerful, and profess to be happy most of the time, even in horrible circumstances. So if you feel like you may be having depression that's preventing you from enjoying life, I'd see a doctor or talk with a friend.
As for the real world:
It is true that there is much suffering in the world. 5,000 kids die from starvation each day. Governmental tyranny and war killed millions of people (200 million+) in the 20th century and will certainly continue to do so. Millions of Africans are decimated by AIDS or malaria. Death is inevitable for all life. Fundamentalist Islam destroys innocent lives. And then there are the meager things: there is no prince charming, but there are plenty of bad hair days. We can find a billion things to be pessimistic about.
But there are many positives in our world that we'd be blind to ignore. There is much love. And we're lucky. We live in a century where many women (I'm in the U.S.) are free to direct their lives as they choose. We have access to medicine for our children, and our lifespans are double that of a century ago. Medical advancements promise to improve our lives further. The internet is bridging communications between others at a massive rate. Ideas spread and technology improves. People find a niche. And we can live, love, experience life, and help others to have the chances we do. If we work hard enough, we may be able to leave the world as a better place than we are accustomed to, and this may give a sense of joy that beats out the pessimism.
There are too many things to be optimistic or happy about to ignore. Life is short, but it has a lot to offer to the willing participant, in this day and age.
2007-02-18 20:05:19 · answer #1 · answered by Dalarus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get closer to God and you will see clearly...glimpses at first, that everything else is suffering and that ultimately all great minds discover this and find their way back to an untouchable happiness that only the enlightened people who dwell in the light of the eternal truly know, and live in. It is work, for sure, but nothing else will give you what you truly seek.
2007-02-19 03:50:51 · answer #2 · answered by STY 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For me... pain and pleasure definitely balances out in my life. Whatever you have that's good you have to hold that in high regards. Like the pain of this winter is kicking my butt, but I know summer is on it's way and I'm greatly anticipating that pleasure.
2007-02-19 03:50:30 · answer #3 · answered by Delaiah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They in God's Word do balance you see, trials are NOT to tell God about you He already knows everything about you, trials are to tell YOU about YOU, and also when "IF" you are a Christ centered person go through something hard and painfull it makes one tenderharted for others going through the same thing, find out more free bible lessons www.itiswritten.com talk to me also wgr88@yahoo.com God bless try looking at John 3:16, 14:15.
2007-02-19 03:50:26 · answer #4 · answered by wgr88 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Star question.... my answer is
No... pleasures far exceed the pains.... we do not realize it consciously, but our sub-conscious mind knows it only too well and that is why no one ever wants to die!!
2007-02-19 03:55:55 · answer #5 · answered by small 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eh, first i said, nah we jus tlie to our selves to cheer up, but then i thoguht, Make a Gratitude list. all the things that you are grateful for. and maybe you will see, it kinda evens out.
2007-02-19 03:46:49 · answer #6 · answered by Mighty Opinions 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no. pain wins all the time, every time
2007-02-19 03:46:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋