The tree is happy because it is scarcely sentient; the hard rock is happier still, it feels nothing: there is no pain as great as being alive, no burden heavier than that of conscious life.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Inanimate objects are happier because they feel no pain while conscious life carries heavy burdens.
- In plain terms
- Feeling things causes pain so being unaware is happier.
- What can you take from it?
- Awareness brings pain that existence does not.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is feeling pain worth it?
- Does awareness bring happiness?
Another view
It ignores the joy that consciousness can also bring.
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