In "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," Jonathan Safran Foer delves into the complex nature of suffering, suggesting that experiencing pain can be a part of the human condition. The quote points out that suffering cannot be deemed worthwhile simply because it eventually leads to an end; the pain itself remains significant and impactful, raising questions about the nature of trauma and healing.
The author emphasizes that suffering is an ongoing cycle, where the resolution of one pain does not erase the past wounds. This perspective invites readers to reflect on how suffering shapes identities and relationships, highlighting that the journey through grief and hardship is an integral part of life that often continues indefinitely, even as individuals seek closure.