The notions of Balance and Cycles are fundamental truths that govern our existence. Everything operates within this framework, and achieving a fulfilling life hinges on maintaining balance. It’s essential to practice moderation in all aspects of life.

Living at extremes is detrimental. Experiencing poverty can be harsh, yet a life solely focused on wealth does not guarantee joy. Similarly, indulging excessively contrasts starkly with living in austere minimalism. The time invested in work versus the time shared with loved ones illustrates this point. Excessive ambition may lead to workaholism, while extreme laziness results in a life devoid of purpose. In terms of belief, a lack of spirituality can result in nihilism, whereas fervent extremism often breeds fanaticism and distortion of principles.

Light and darkness, virtue and vice, simplicity and complexity, triumph and failure—these opposing forces perpetually interact in a cyclical manner.

These forces, always in equilibrium, exist within a natural cycle. Setbacks will inevitably lead to triumphs. We hear tales of individuals rising from nothing to great wealth, while past fortunes fade into obscurity. Throughout history, civilizations have risen and fallen in an unending cycle of life and death. Everything revolves around the cosmic principle of…Balance.

Balance. This principle was championed by Aristotle in ancient Greece and resonates within Taoist philosophy in ancient China. It is no coincidence that both Eastern and Western cultures arrived at this understanding, as balance reflects a fundamental tendency of the universe, exemplified by the yin-yang symbol.

Balance is also aesthetically pleasing. We are drawn to symmetrical faces and harmonious proportions in art, science, and mathematics. When considering morality, Aristotle’s concept of the Golden Mean—finding a desirable middle ground between excess and deficiency—has endured through our narratives and belief systems.

# The Cycle of Suffering and Happiness

Now, let’s shift focus to suffering. Why begin with a discussion on Balance and Cycles?

With the aspirations we hold—be it fame, wealth, or power—we must acknowledge the inevitable struggles that accompany them. Every instance of joy is often preceded by moments of profound sorrow.

To attain happiness, one must first experience suffering. Only through enduring hardship can we truly appreciate joy.

Finding solace without enduring suffering may feel like victory, but it is hollow and devoid of significance. Achieving success effortlessly, without facing challenges or hardship, is a meaningless triumph, a victory lacking purpose.

This embodies the essence of Balance.

This theme is echoed in our myths and legends, prevalent in every narrative of the Hero’s Journey. It appears in religious texts as well. Our heroes are those who A) suffer, and B) overcome that suffering to achieve their ultimate goals. We admire individuals who have faced adversity and demonstrated remarkable resilience to overcome challenges. Few are intrigued by the life of a trust fund baby—such a life lacks depth and is often unremarkable.

# Suffering, Stoicism, and Emotional Mastery

As a lifelong advocate of Stoicism, I’d like to connect this philosophy to our discussion. Unfortunately, Stoicism has often been misrepresented, particularly by the tech startup culture, which frames it as merely enduring pain through relentless grit.

This interpretation is misleading. Contemporary Stoics often claim to avoid suffering, suggesting that true strength lies in emotional mastery to the point where one does not experience suffering. I partially agree, but with a nuance.

Experiencing pain, shame, or indignity signifies a lack of control.

Thus, true mastery involves regulating oneself, including emotions. To lose control is to acknowledge weakness. One can indeed be strong enough to deny suffering!

However, this mindset is flawed, often promoted by figures like Andrew Tate and Dan Bilzerian, who embody toxic masculinity and misinterpretations of Stoicism.

This perspective is misguided because suffering is essential. Both ancient and modern Stoics experience suffering; the difference now is that they may not outwardly display it.

From where does strength arise if not from suffering? We cultivate strength through trials and loss. On a physical level, muscle growth occurs through exertion and strain. Only by subjecting muscles to stress can they rebuild stronger.

Those who have never encountered genuine suffering cannot match the strength of those who have.

All humans begin as soft and fragile beings. One must experience weakness to endure suffering. It is through that suffering that strength is forged.

# Suffering and Truth

Suffering reveals truths to us. Reflect on moments when you’ve been misled or when you’ve worn deceptive, rose-tinted glasses. Such realizations typically occur during moments of discomfort. Comfort breeds gullibility, fostering misplaced trust. When complacent, we risk losing touch with reality.

However, moments of stark clarity often emerge from pain. Consider losing a job due to layoffs (indicating a lack of concern for your well-being) or discovering infidelity in a partner. These instances of betrayal expose harsh realities. Pain and suffering unveil truth.

# Suffering and Love

Every act of suffering embodies love. It manifests as sacrifice for loved ones, friends, the future, or even oneself. When we endure pain for others, we demonstrate our affection. Even the most self-centered individual experiences suffering… for their own sake.

The deepest pleasure and the most intense pain are interlinked. They share more similarities than one might expect.

Picture the most exhilarating moment you've had: when physical pleasure overwhelms you, every part of your being reacts uncontrollably.

Now, envision enduring the worst kind of torture, and your body reacts similarly, despite the context being vastly different.

Not so different, right?

Therefore, suffering doesn’t always equate to negative experiences. It is intricately connected to love.

# Measuring Suffering

Pain can occur without suffering, just as one can suffer without experiencing pain.

Pain is a personal lesson—“the needle is sharp, I should avoid it.” This perspective is simplistic and individualistic.

In contrast, suffering transcends the individual, resonating on a collective and existential level for humanity. Just as victories devoid of suffering are hollow, experiencing pain without suffering lacks significance. Pain without suffering serves only as a superficial pleasure.

True suffering can be quantified by what we lose, through the sacrifices and challenges we face.

Conversely, happiness can sometimes feel burdensome. Consider the late Robin Williams, a beacon of laughter yet often grappling with deep sadness. Comedians frequently mask their internal struggles behind humor.

Those who endure the most profound suffering may also experience the highest joys. This highlights the continuous theme of balance and cycles.

# Suffering is Not “Evil”

In the contest between “Good” and “Evil,” suffering is not inherently evil.

How can humanity distinguish between good and evil?

These terms are largely constructs we’ve created to justify our actions and maintain societal harmony. Kindness is deemed good, while killing is labeled evil—this is straightforward.

But consider another perspective: winners are always viewed as good because they write history. Losers fade into obscurity and are often cast as evil. Imagine if the Axis powers had triumphed in WWII—Germany and Japan might be celebrated as heroes, while the Allies would be seen as rebels.

The victors shape historical narratives.

Returning to the main theme—suffering is not inherently “bad.” It is merely a counterforce to our concepts of pleasure and happiness. Suffering is vital as it fosters balance within the universe. It is essential to endure suffering to fully appreciate success, pleasure, and happiness.

# Final Thoughts

I conclude this reflection with the Four Noble Truths from Buddhism, which succinctly encapsulate the essence of suffering and its relation to existence.

“- Life is suffering. Suffering is real and nearly universal. - Suffering arises from attachment; the desire to possess and control. - There is an end to suffering. Attachment can be transcended. Suffering ceases with the liberation of Nirvana, where the mind achieves complete freedom and detachment from desire. - To end suffering, one must follow the Eightfold Path.”

— Buddha —

For further exploration of Buddhism and other philosophies, consider reading my earlier works on philosophy.