Suffering is by no means a privilege, a sign of nobility, a reminder of God. Suffering is a fierce, bestial thing, commonplace, uncalled for, natural as air. It is intangible; no one can grasp it or fight against it; it dwells in time -- is the same thing as time; if it comes in fits and starts, that is only so as to leave the sufferer more defenseless during the moments that follow, those long moments when one relives the last bout of torture and waits for the next.

Summary

The quote highlights the grim reality of suffering by dispelling the notion that it holds any positive or significant meaning. It portrays suffering as a harsh, instinctive force that is neither special nor divine. It exists as an intrinsic part of life, elusive yet inevitably experienced. With its intangible nature, suffering cannot be fully understood or resisted. Moreover, the recurrent nature of suffering intensifies its impact, leaving the individual vulnerable and apprehensively awaiting the next wave of pain. Essentially, the quote emphasizes the agonizing, merciless nature of suffering and its relentless presence in the passage of time.

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