Is suffering so very serious? I have come to doubt it. It may be quite childish, a sort of undignified pastime -- I'm referring to the kind of suffering a man inflicts on a woman or a woman on a man. It's extremely painful. I agree that it's hardly bearable. But I very much fear that this sort of pain deserves no consideration at all. It's no more worthy of respect than old age or illness.

Summary

In this quote, the speaker challenges the notion of suffering as something inherently serious. They suggest that the pain caused in relationships, inflicted by one person on another, may be seen as trivial and even childish. Although acknowledging the intensity and unbearability of such suffering, they argue that it lacks merit and shouldn't be given any significant consideration or respect. The speaker further emphasizes that this type of pain, akin to old age or illness, does not hold a special status deserving particular attention or sympathy.

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