A few thoughts on dealing with suffering in the world

The philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer is considered a pessimistic thinker. He describes life and the world as suffering, and his view of humankind is not particularly optimistic either. According to Schopenhauer, humans are by nature selfish, envious, malicious and capable of cruelty. And if we look at what is happening in the world, we can somewhat agree with Schopenhauer, no?
 
Numerous natural disasters, terrorist attacks, the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East are just a few examples of contemporary events in the world that are causing huge suffering. Every day, the media inform us about how many people have lost their lives or their existences as a result of senseless wars, attacks and catastrophes. We also see how right-wing extremist positions are spreading and hatred and the marginalisation of people and minorities are constantly on the rise, while the most powerful people in the world are either radically leading these movements or are overwhelmed and questioning these developments. 
 
But how should we deal with these realities? What can or should we do?
 
We have the great privilege of being so well off here and now. Even if we are always complaining about rising prices, we are generally sitting in a warm home, own one car per household on average and enjoy the one or other holiday. Our well-being is important to us and we want to benefit as much as possible from life. But isn't that selfish and ignorant? What would be the alternative? Renounce everything and be compassionate? Actively help to reduce suffering in the world? But where do we start? And what can we change and achieve as individuals?
 
Unfortunately, I don't have the perfect answer, but simply looking at the world and people with a pessimistic view and dwelling on suffering cannot be the solution either. It is not in our power to eliminate the major geopolitical conflicts and wars. Nor can we essentially eradicate evil and cruelty. We should therefore consider ourselves even more blessed and recognise and enjoy the beautiful moments in life. However, this does not mean ignoring all the suffering that surrounds us, living at the expense of others and being indifferent to our world around us. We can certainly enjoy our lives and still deal with what is happening in the world and play our part actively in everyday life. By treating our environment with respect and awareness, by leaving no space for hate movements and the marginalisation of people and by getting involved exactly where we can make a good difference. Even if these are ‘only’ more or less small gestures, they can already lead to beautiful moments, leave a significant mark and have a big impact.
 
Dr. phil. Pascale Worré, Echternach