C.S. Lewis once said something about suffering along these lines: a part of suffering is its shadow; you not only suffer but you are constantly aware of the fact that you are suffering. I have not had to suffer much in my life. From my minor experience and observation of others, I see truth in that observation though. Happiness brings with it a disregard for time, maybe even a lack of self-reflection. In times of pain and grief, time seems to stop. The future seems to stretch on forever and yet be barren. You are painfully aware that you exist and that you are suffering.
« Seventeenth Century View of Time in Greece | Home | Missed Photo Opportunity »
Comments
better to enter a house of mourning...
Posted by: Shannon on Thursday, May 18, 2006
Do you think it God's megaphone to the world?
Posted by: Tara on Wednesday, May 24, 2006
I think that is a line from The Problem of Pain, correct? I've never read that book. It sounds fairly reductionistic to me, but I don't know the context of the quote.
Posted by: CJ Costello on Monday, June 5, 2006
Correct, but I think that book is out of print since your post. One of those married-to-your-job types, huh?
Posted by: Tara on Monday, June 5, 2006
Ah, but fortunately we already own it - it is on a growing list of books that we own that I haven't read. That can be a little depressing, but not to the point of pain. Anyway, have you read it/recommend it?
Posted by: CJ Costello on Monday, June 5, 2006
I've read at least parts of it; it has been awhile. I would probably recommend any of his books that I have read -- at the very least they give one plenty to think about.
Posted by: Tara on Wednesday, June 7, 2006