Modern Take on Suffering
In today's world, each day presents new challenges. We encounter everyday frustrations like cars that won’t start, traffic delays, and household mishaps. We navigate health concerns, family conflicts, and workplace tensions. On a local level, we are confronted with the stark realities of addiction, homelessness, and violence. Seasonally, we witness the effects of climate change—wildfires, floods, and hurricanes. Nationally, we reel from the devastation of mass shootings and persistent political and social unrest. Globally, wars and genocide continue to inflict suffering and destruction on humankind.
The unrelenting stream of distressing news underscores a profound, universal truth: suffering is an inescapable part of the human condition. Friedrich Nietzsche, the influential 19th-century philosopher, captured this reality, stating, “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.” His words remain as relevant today as they have been throughout history, resonating across philosophies and religions.
The Bible presents suffering as a trial that fosters personal growth, as expressed in Romans 5:3-4: “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi’s view of patience as "self-suffering" suggests that enduring hardship is not merely passive endurance but an active path to growth. Across various traditions, suffering is not to be avoided but embraced as an opportunity for transformation.
This perspective aligns deeply with my experiences in surgery, a field where I have spent over two decades studying, training, practicing, and teaching. The notion that enduring hardship is essential for personal development is ingrained in the profession. As a surgical trainee, I was conditioned to accept long hours, lack of sleep, and delayed meals as necessary sacrifices. These challenges have certainly sharpened my skills and prepared me to care for patients more effectively. However, they also took a toll—on me and those closest to me, both physically and mentally.
The Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky introduced the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) to describe an individual’s mental growth. Building on this, German educator Tom Senninger developed the Learning Zone Model, which illustrates how people learn effectively when sufficiently challenged. The 'Growth Zone' emerges when we tackle difficult but not overwhelming tasks, fostering the development of new skills and resilience. Much like physical training, where the right level of resistance strengthens muscles, a certain degree of struggle can push us beyond our comfort zones and improve our ability to navigate future hardships.
In theory, this model is promising. In practice, however, the “Growth Zone” is elusive. A task that fosters growth one day may feel insurmountable the next—just as a dumbbell may feel manageable one day and impossibly heavy another. Factors beyond our control shape our capacity to endure, and the Growth Zone is inherently subjective. What benefits one person may overwhelm another. Additionally, learning from another’s experience is challenging, as the teacher and learner often perceive difficulty differently.
Moreover, while challenges can lead to growth, excessive suffering can push us into what Senninger described as the 'Panic Zone'—a state of debilitating stress and anxiety. Just as lifting a weight too heavy can cause injury, overwhelming adversity can lead to harmful coping mechanisms that perpetuate suffering rather than alleviate it.
Throughout history, thinkers have questioned whether suffering is intrinsic to life and whether efforts to eliminate it are ultimately futile—like Sisyphus eternally pushing his boulder uphill. In modern times, we often turn to technology and innovation to relieve suffering. We have developed medicines to combat disease, industrial farms to feed populations, machines to reduce physical labor, and digital tools to share information instantly. While these advancements have undeniably improved material conditions, they have also introduced new burdens—environmental destruction, labor exploitation, chronic diseases, and mental distractions.
I, too, was a modern Sisyphus. Witnessing human suffering firsthand, I pursued medicine to alleviate it. Drawn to surgery for its immediate impact, I specialized in pediatric surgery to help vulnerable children. When I realized that a scalpel could not cure all ailments, I turned to medical research. Yet, none of these efforts addressed the deeper sources of distress—mental exhaustion, dissatisfaction, and despair. Over time, I became cynical, unwell, and burned out. Instead of relieving suffering, I was consumed by it, and those closest to me bore the consequences.
More than two millennia ago, the Buddha recognized the universality of suffering, making it the foundation of his teachings. He identified suffering as the first of the Four Noble Truths and dedicated his life to teaching its cessation. His path, outlined in the Noble Eightfold Path, offers profound wisdom for liberation from suffering. These teachings remain relevant today but must be adapted to modern society, integrating contemporary philosophy and scientific understanding.
Unsatisfied with existing approaches to improving life, I embarked on my own journey. Drawing upon my scientific training, knowledge, and life experiences—paired with curiosity and open-mindedness—I explored a vast array of perspectives. Engaging with people, books, podcasts, and teachings on religion, philosophy, psychology, wellness, and science, I developed a working model for living. Through daily application, reflection, and refinement, I observed its effects on myself and then those around me. Over time, my suffering eased. Free from the weight of unwanted thoughts and desires, my purpose became clearer, leading to a more fulfilling existence.
On the surface, my life appears unchanged. I continue my work as a surgeon-scientist, spending time with the same family and friends. However, my focus has shifted. No longer preoccupied with career advancement or organizational leadership, I no longer attempt to change others. Each morning, I wake with gratitude, energized and compassionate toward all. I care for patients not out of obligation but from a genuine desire to help, regardless of their illness, attitude, or outlook. Beyond medical care, I offer guidance on broader aspects of well-being. Ultimately, I aim to share what I have learned, providing practical methods that others can apply in their own lives.
To effectively alleviate suffering, we must understand the interconnected roles of three key domains: materialism, spirituality, and interconnectedness. Fundamental principles include prioritizing physical health over material wealth, nurturing deep relationships over social status, and cultivating inner peace before attempting to change others. Just as securing an oxygen mask before assisting others is essential, establishing our own stability enables us to provide meaningful support.
The path to overcoming suffering is long and often feels endless. Yet, with guidance from those who have navigated it before us, we gain confidence in our own journey. The pursuit of a life with less suffering and greater fulfillment is deeply personal—shaped by wisdom but ultimately defined by our choices and actions.
