WHY do human beings suffer? This is a question that has plagued mankind ever since we became capable of thought.
This question has been the subject of everything from philosophical ponderings to quiet prayers. Though technological advancements have made the human race virtually invincible, people still suffer and struggle every single day. What’s worse about this fact is that there is no way to guarantee a cure to this problem, regardless of how much we develop, evolve, or grow as a species in the future. It is simply impossible to prevent human suffering. So, why do we exist if we cannot avoid suffering?

As young people, we learn, amongst other lessons, that life is not meant to be difficult. Sometimes, we must make sacrifices to achieve a greater goal. Sometimes, we must give up a few moments of pleasure for the sake of success. However, when we are making the right choices, life should be enjoyable and filled with moments of joy and peace. It is quite easy, then, to turn our hatred towards some inevitable source of suffering that disturbs our ability to enjoy life. When we go through a period of grief or pain, we wonder why suffering exists, and we find no satisfying answer to our question. Perhaps instead of asking why suffering exists, we might find enlightenment in asking what we may lose if we never encountered suffering at all.

Recently, I discovered a strange phenomenon that occurred within a research facility called Biosphere 2. This facility was developed to understand and research the nature and qualities of ecosystems within our planet. As part of their research, scientists planted trees within the facility and observed their growth. Shockingly, the trees developed at a faster rate than they would under typical natural conditions. Then, the trees would fall over just as they were about to reach a state of maturity. This was quite puzzling, as even though they were being grown to ensure they had all the resources they needed, they still seemed to fall over just as they were about to mature. Eventually, the scientists analysed the phenomenon and discovered the cause. Although the trees received all the elements needed to sustain them, there was a significant lack of wind within the facility. This meant the saplings were never pushed by the wind during their period of growth and consequently never developed the structure necessary to survive any form of stress or opposition. They did not develop what is called ‘stress wood’ or ‘reaction wood,’ which is denser than normal wood and plays a role in giving the tree its structure and strength.

There are many reasons why people suffer. It may be because of illness, inequality, injustice, or even their own poor choices. However, if we never suffer or struggle in any manner as we grow, then we will fail to develop the qualities needed to live satisfactory lives. In order for us to develop stable identities, we need to encounter situations that lead us to question who we are. It is in situations of suffering that we find answers to this question. If we never suffered, we would never learn what it means to be happy and at peace. We would never learn who we are. It is when we are in the midst of piercing, white light that we understand the gentle beauty of darkness. It is in the middle of a raging storm that we discover just how stunning a moment of silence can truly be. It is at the depths of the most grievous suffering that we find the quintessential beauty of hope.

We suffer to survive. There is truly no greater meaning to suffering. When we suffer, we find the hope that it takes to stand up and walk forward from the pain and trauma we have experienced. It helps us cross the threshold from childhood to adulthood without falling over from the gentle pressures and stresses of daily life. It helps us hold on to our identity and our values even when there are forces around us trying to change us in undesirable ways. When you inevitably encounter your moment of suffering, embrace it and accept the strength that it will leave you with.