--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: How you approach the problem of suffering…" description: "\"How you approach the problem of suffering depends on how you approach life itself. There are only two ways. Either meaning is surrounded by matter, or ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fd/peter-kreeft-820_approach_how-you-approach-the-problem-of-sufferin_1850652.png" --- # How you approach the problem of suffering depends on how… ![“How you approach the problem of suffering depends on how you approach life itself. There are only two ways. Either meaning is surrounded by matter, or matter is surrounded by meaning.” quote by Peter Kreeft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fd/peter-kreeft-820_approach_how-you-approach-the-problem-of-sufferin_1850652.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fd/peter-kreeft-820_approach_how-you-approach-the-problem-of-sufferin_1850652.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6fd/peter-kreeft-820_approach_how-you-approach-the-problem-of-sufferin_1850652.png) > “How you approach the problem of suffering depends on how you approach life itself. There are only two ways. Either meaning is surrounded by matter, or matter is surrounded by meaning.” [Peter Kreeft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/peter-kreeft/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Our view of suffering reflects our overall worldview: either we see matter as primary and meaning as secondary, or we see meaning as primary and matter as a vessel for it. **In simple terms:** How you see suffering shows your view of life. Key Takeaway Choose a worldview that gives purpose. Themes worldview meaning existence suffering philosophy Mood contemplative thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - counseling - personal growth - spiritual practice - ethical decision making Key Concepts materialism idealism existentialism Questions to Reflect On - Do you see meaning as shaping matter or vice versa? - How does this affect your response to hardship? A Different Perspective If you focus only on material conditions, you may neglect deeper purpose. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Approach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/approach/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Life itself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life-itself/) [Problem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/problem/) [Suffering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/suffering/) ## Related quotes > [The mental suffering you create is always some form of non-acceptance, some form of unconscious resistance to what is. 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