It depends, Jiun, on your definitions. And even if we embrace ONLY your definition, some "emotional" suffering brings good change. But . . . you know, I subscribe to about 300 news sources and blogs. I beg your forgiveness that I wasted your time and mine by attempting to expand this conversation. This is me, not suffering fools.

One thing I don't understand is why suffering is to be avoided. It's almost like they break one of the first things Lao Tzu talks about, assigning value to things. Suffering just is. There are negative and positive aspects. I, for one, have endured a level of suffering few people have the opportunity to experience. It has made me a stronger person. It has made me a loving, sympathetic person. To eradicate suffering is to diminish your chance to learn . . to grow . . to choose to be a better person. Let me share something that has kept me going through some dark times: Invictus William Ernest Henley Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. The way I see it, rather than avoid suffering, because you can't a be and real member of your community and the human race, embrace it and use. It will make you a better person.