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About this quote

What does it mean?
Philosophical systems fail to explain suffering, leaving only the conclusion that God did the best possible.
In plain terms
We can't explain pain so we say it is the best it could be.
What can you take from it?
Explaining suffering is harder than accepting it.

Where it applies

  • philosophical debate
  • theological discussion
  • processing grief

Putting it to work

  • accept limits of reason
  • study theodicy

Questions to consider

  • Can suffering be justified?
  • Is there a better answer?

Another view

It offers a weak explanation for real pain.

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  3. Que les supplices des criminels soient utiles. Un homme pendu n'est bon a rien, et un homme condamne aux ouvrages publics sert encore la patrie, et est une lec…

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