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olderestsoul t1_j6oecoy wrote

Reply to comment by Drakolyik in Happiness is an essentially nihilistic ideal — it is the best goal to follow when there is nothing else on the table. A meaningful life on the other hand can embrace more of life including struggles and suffering because it is oriented towards a higher ideal by thelivingphilosophy

When talking about Frankl, the author says this:

Some prisoners regressed into a more animalistic state — losing touch with their humanity and becoming brutal survivalists. This is an understandable and perhaps the expected reaction to such an extreme situation.

I don't think the author would be critical of you for using pleasure to take the edge off incredible pain. I think what he is insinuating is that the harder the trial, sometimes, the harder it is to find higher meaning. Since I don't know you, I can't speak to your motivations, but I would assume that if you're willing to write about your pain on reddit, some part of your higher purpose involves sharing your experiences.

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