To Live is to Suffer

"You can hold yourself back from the sufferings of the world, this is something you are free to do and is in accord with your own nature, but perhaps precisely this holding back is the only suffering you might be able to avoid."  -Franz Kafka

It's curious that most humans do everything they can to avoid suffering- it's only natural, right? Yet the results of these actions can lead to graver discontent and even deadly consequences.

Consider everything you're not doing when you attempt to not suffer:

You're not asking that person out.

You're not asking your boss for a raise.

You're not sharing your art or writing.

You're not speaking your mind in school or at work.

You're not standing up for what you believe in.

You're not calling your friend to hang out.

You're not leaving your house. 

Take Franz Kafka's simple words seriously, and you may see how the avoidance of suffering leads to an un-lived life.