Paul Bloom says happiness and suffering are closely connected. If you don't believe it, ask a rock climber

Author:
Anna Kelsey-Sugg and Lindy Raine
Date:
August 24, 2022
Type:

Did you know there are two types of happiness? There is instantaneous, in the moment pleasure, and there is also a more meaningful happiness that contributes to fulfilment in life. We look for ways to relieve the tension this causes in many ways. Paul Bloom explains how and why.

"Psychologist Paul Bloom can't be the only person in the world to have wondered why anyone in their right mind would choose to train for a marathon.

Why volunteer for cramps, dehydration and bleeding toes?

While we're at it, why elect to watch a terrifying movie or take on a huge project you know will bring you stress?

"Chosen suffering" is a complicated human tick, Professor Bloom tells ABC RN's Big Ideas.

In this "hedonist era", we all want a good time, he says.

"But that's not all we want."

For centuries, religions like Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, and Enlightenment philosophers, have debated the value of suffering.

Professor Bloom argues that suffering can deliver us the goods we mightn't know we need – and even lead us into contentment.

The conversation with Paul Bloom, hosted by Matthew Taylor, was originally recorded by the RSA Bridges to the Future podcast and broadcast on ABC RN's Big Ideas."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-25/happiness-suffering-are-closely-connected-argues-paul-bloom/101242204

Image: Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash

If this article leads to further thinking about happiness and suffering, you may find the following links helpful.

"Resilience in Tough Times" / Darryl Cross

https://engageworkfaith.org.au/wp-admin/post.php?post=2521&action=edit

"Questioning Christianity" / Tim Keller

https://qcpodcast.gospelinlife.com/e/trailer-tim-keller-introduces-questioning-christianity/

Recent Posts

May 31, 2023
Andrew Peterson on Raising Teenagers

A short video clip, but a vital perspective for parents... " Andrew Peterson—artist and president of The Rabbit Room—offers two insights on raising teenagers. Peterson underscores the importance of ensuring that children know who they belong to and provides a missional perspective on parenting."

Read More
May 31, 2023
Your Teenager Needs Discipleship

An engaging podcast with both speakers sharing from their own families the realities of discipling their children from primary school age to young adults. Included in a myriad of questions from the audience, are responses regarding prayer, Bible study, social media, dating and youth group.

Read More
May 31, 2023
My 3 Big Fears in Parenting Teenagers

Trevin Wax reveals his concerns as his son enters teenage years and prayerfully entrusts his family to the Lord's care. "As Christian parents, we want our kids to know what they believe and why, to be fortified in faith and ready to stand out in a world that is hostile to the gospel. I want the pressure of […]

Read More

Categories