We are threatened with suffering from three directions: from our own body, which is doomed to decay and dissolution and which cannot even do without pain and anxiety as warning signals; from the external world, which may rage against us with overwhelming and merciless forces of destruction; and finally from our relations to other men. The suffering which comes from this last source is perhaps more painful than any other.

Summary

In this quote, the author highlights that as humans, we face suffering from three different sources. Firstly, our own bodies, which are frail and subject to decay, causing pain and anxiety. Secondly, the external world can unleash destructive forces upon us, leaving us defenseless and vulnerable. However, the author suggests that the most agonizing suffering arises from our relationships with others. It emphasizes the deep impact and emotional pain caused by the conflicts and hardships we experience in our interactions with other individuals. This suggests that the suffering originating from human connections can be particularly distressing and significant in our lives.

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