The quote "Feeling pain is still better than not feeling, isn't it?" from Jonathan Safran Foer's novel "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" highlights the importance of emotional experiences, even the difficult ones. It suggests that the act of feeling, regardless of the context, is a fundamental part of being alive and connects us to our humanity. Pain, while challenging, can foster growth and understanding in a way that numbness cannot.

This notion emphasizes that experiencing a range of emotions, including hurt, is essential for personal development and genuine connection with others. Numbness may seem preferable at times, but it can lead to isolation and a lack of depth in one's existence. Ultimately, feeling pain signifies engagement with life, encouraging individuals to confront their realities rather than retreating into emotional detachment.