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The other major feature of the Human Condition is
the underlying feelings of sorrow and despair that continually threaten to overwhelm human beings. As humans,
we are all subject to physical dangers, ill-health, accidents, earthquakes, floods, fires, etc. which can
cause loss and pain. But to have, and actively indulge in, emotional suffering additional to these hardships
is to compound the situation to such an extent that the resulting feelings are usually far worse than dealing
with the facts of the situation.
To be conscious beings, aware of our emotional suffering is held as
the distinction between us and the rest of the animal world. As such, sorrow, sadness and despair are accepted
as an integral unchangeable part of the Human Condition. Indeed emotional suffering is even lauded as a noble
trait. To suffer rightly or deeply is held in high esteem and often evokes a bitter-sweet feeling. Compassion
and empathy – our compulsion to emotional suffer others’ emotional sorrow – are also universally held in
high esteem for the solace and bitter-sweet feelings evoked.
Human sorrow is based on feelings of separation, loneliness, fear,
helplessness, despair and dread and many people know only too well the sorrowful spiral downwards from
melancholy to sadness, depression, despair and eventually to suicidal feelings.
These are indeed the Sad Times.
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