Ha Jin writes: 'Some great men and women are fortified and redeemed through their suffering, and they even seek sadness instead of happiness, just as Van Gogh asserted, 'Sorrow is better than joy,' and Balzac declared, 'Suffering is one's teacher.' But these dicta are suitable only for extraordinary souls, for the select few. For ordinary people like us, too much suffering can only make us meaner, crazier, pettier, and more wretched
Ha Jin discusses the complex relationship between suffering and personal growth. He suggests that while some extraordinary individuals find strength and redemption through their hardships, this path is not universally applicable. For exceptional figures like Van Gogh and Balzac, sorrow can serve as a source of profound insight, leading to creative brilliance. Their enduring legacies highlight how suffering can foster greatness, but this concept is not transferrable to everyone.
In contrast, Ha Jin emphasizes that for ordinary people, excessive suffering can have detrimental effects. Rather than fostering resilience, it often leads to negativity and despair, making individuals bitter and discontented. This perspective is echoed in David Sheff's "Beautiful Boy," where the struggles of addiction illuminate the harsh realities faced by those who suffer. Sheff's narrative underscores the importance of recognizing that for many, suffering can exacerbate rather than alleviate personal turmoil, underscoring the complexity of the human experience.
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All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
