Nietzche on Hardship - Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness

Cool documentary.

Nietzsche on Hardship - British philosopher Alain De Botton explores Friedrich Nietzsche's (1844-1900) dictum that any worthwhile achievements in life come from the experience of overcoming hardship. For him, any existence that is too comfortable is worthless, as are the twin refugees of drink or religion.

via videosift.com

From a Buddhist point of view, suffering is the nature of attachment, which is (for most of us) the nature of our existence. It is the recognition of inherent suffering and our desire to end suffering for ourselves and others that propels us onto the path of freedom.

In this sense, we should -- as Nietzsche suggests -- embrace suffering. The most worthwhile thing we can do is to begin the path to the cessation of our suffering and that of others. If we did not suffer, we would never take on this path.

Tags: Nietzche on Hardship, Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness, documentary, suffering, philosophy, Buddhism, psychology, Alain De Botton