Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg

Suffering and the self (with Jay Garfield)

125 snips
Oct 30, 2024
In a captivating conversation, Jay Garfield, Doris Silbert Professor in the Humanities and expert in Buddhist philosophy, dives into the nature of suffering and the self. He discusses whether overcoming craving and aversion can liberate us from suffering and how personal perception shapes our experiences. Garfield explores the concept of self as an illusion and the implications of interconnectedness in achieving true happiness. He also contrasts Buddhist ethics with Western perspectives, emphasizing compassion and community over self-centered pursuits.
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INSIGHT

The Root of Suffering

  • We suffer because we crave things we can't have and are averse to things we do have.
  • This is rooted in misunderstandings about reality and our nature, leading to pervasive suffering.
ANECDOTE

Examples of Suffering

  • Janis Joplin's desire for a Mercedes-Benz illustrates suffering from lacking something.
  • Dan Hicks's song about someone not leaving shows suffering from an undesired presence.
INSIGHT

Pain vs. Suffering

  • Pain is not suffering; aversion to pain is suffering.
  • Athletes embrace pain, showing it's the mental reaction, not the pain itself, that causes suffering.
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