Are We to Blame for Our Own Suffering?

Why It Matters

If the answer is yes, then it may be in our power to reduce suffering.

 To Think About

To what extent are the humans responsible for the following causes of suffering?

Abuse.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 out of 4 adults suffered physical abuse at some point during childhood and that 1 out of 3 women experience physical or sexual abuse, and/or mental abuse (or all) at some point in their life.

Bereavement.

"An estimated 477,000 murders occurred globally in 2016," states the World Health Statistics 2018, published by WHO.  This is in addition to the 180,000 people thought to have killed in wars and conflicts that year. 

Health Problems.

In an article published in the National Geographic magazine, writer Fran Smith notes: "More than a billion people smoke , and tobacco is implicated in the top  five causes of death, heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.

Social Inequality.

"Poverty, relative inequality, being subject to racism, sexism, displacement and a competitive culture all increase the likelihood of mental suffering," comments Jay Watts.

Next time: Are We to Blame for Our Suffering? -What the Bible Says

From the jw.org publications