“Suffering is but another name for the teaching of experience, which is the parent of instruction and the schoolmaster of life.”

Life is pain.

:) hmmm I like it in the context it was given. Might I interject: Life is great and then it just gets better! (its all perspective)

I agree with Logan and Mike and Horace. Suffering is the teaching of much experience given our tendency of not learning from the mistakes of others. In any case, this quote bores me. I have an aversion for Roman orators.

First, it is always best to learn from someone else's experience rather than your own...if you can. One problem with suffering as a learning tool, is that there are many with diseases and injuries who suffer greatly and chronically with out hope of relief...and it is the meaninglessness of it that comes to the front for them. Few can handle it. Which brings me to someone like Admeral James Stockdale...read about this guy if you want to see someone in control.

To be fair, there are only certain lessons that can be learned through experience. What I can learn from books, another will have to learn from experience. Be that as it will-- History has proven the weakness and frailty of the generation that has followed a great struggle.

Knowledge is merely the memory of experience; hence, the wide variety of knowledge, opinions, theories, analyses, and ideas about those experiences. I agree with Patrick Henry who said, "I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past." As far as suffering goes, in my own experience, the moments of adversity have provided the greater opportunities for learning. Like gold in a crucible. Without hunger pains, we might never learn to provide for ourselves.

Might I add...... "at the University of Hard Knocks"... Another great quote. I love this site. It is EMPOWERING!

The 'Universty of Hard Knocks'? I went to their sister school on the east coast -- Screw U. ;-)

We think we must have suffering because of our ego and greed. Alas man is still an infant - my only wish is that he can survive to become a Man.

I agree with Archer. Experience involves making mistakes. But a wise person never repeats a mistake. If adversity gets you down, do not stay down. Get up and proceed with better knowledge and wisdom.

Ordinarily, it is in the crucible of graciously endured suffering that character is forged.

One could day, all those At Liberty Will suffer persecution. GOD CHASTISES THOSE HE LOVES. As also in Christ we suffer with him for Liberties sake eternal. Experience , seeking that which Good is lends to God's peace and understanding with Christ Grace and knowledge.

To live is Christ to suffer is great gain. So for Liberty sake we suffer to reign with Liberty . All else is but chains.

God frustates the tokens of liars, lest we forget !!!