We infrequently contemplate the harms that await any…
“We infrequently contemplate the harms that await any new-born child—pain, disappointment, anxiety, grief, and death. For any given child we cannot predict what form these harms will take or how severe they will be, but we can be sure that at least some of them will occur. None of this befalls the nonexistent. Only existers suffer harm.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Life inevitably includes suffering; even newborns will experience pain, disappointment, anxiety, grief, and death, which are unavoidable for those who exist.
In simple terms: All living beings face some harm.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and mitigate suffering where possible.
Themes
philosophy
existentialism
ethics
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- parenting
- healthcare policy
- bioethics
- philosophical counseling
Key Concepts
negativeism
suffering
existence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reduce unavoidable harms?
- What responsibilities do we have toward future generations?
A Different Perspective
Suffering is not optional for the living, but its intensity varies.