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Dr. Chuck Chakrapani's avatar

What you say is true.

Epicurus suggests that chronic pain is less intense than non-chronic sharp pains.

Also, "We are actually quite good at coping with physical pain, yet we still manage to generate huge amounts of mental pain worrying about physical suffering that may or may not happen in the future. The bulk of our suffering, then, is internal and self-inflicted. But at least that means it’s something we have the power to fix." (John Sellers, interpreting Epicurus)

I don't want to minimze the chronic pain sufferers go through. But I suspect our fear of pain adds considerably to our physical pain.

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Dr. Chuck Chakrapani's avatar

Thank you for your feedback!

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Stoic Philosophy's avatar

Simple, understandable and well-written. Thank you for reminding me the inherent power of cognitive distancing, good judgement and practicing wisdom + kindness. It’s through this focus on what we control that we thrive in an uncertain world.

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Hot History's avatar

Each of those four lessons is very wise and helpful, thank you! Great Nietzsche quote ("what doesn't kill me makes me stronger"), reminds me of the Kanye West song: https://open.substack.com/pub/hothistory/p/kanye-west-the-dropout?r=2o7hq7&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

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Daniel's avatar

This is very helpful. However, when I think of various chronic diseases one can suffer, the adversity is chronic; it’s not often short-lived. It’s be nice to see an article about adversity in the form of health/sickness that’s long-lasting. :)

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Marc Carrasco's avatar

So inspiring. Thank you!

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Derek Becker's avatar

I appreciate the referenced quotes and the content detail. I feel inspired to practice what I’ve read.

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Dr. Chuck Chakrapani's avatar

Than you for the song!

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