The Root Causes of Human Suffering: Exploring the Complex Factors at Play

Niclas Janelöv
2 min readMar 19, 2023
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

Human suffering is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects people from all walks of life. While there are many factors that contribute to suffering, one of the most important is the role of illusions. These are false beliefs or perceptions that we hold about ourselves and the world around us. In this article, we will explore the root causes of human suffering and how illusions contribute to this problem.

  1. The illusion of need: One of the most fundamental illusions that contribute to human suffering is the belief that we need something external to be happy. Whether it is material possessions, social status, or other external factors, the belief that we need these things to be happy can lead to feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction.
  2. The illusion that life isn’t perfect: Another common illusion that contributes to human suffering is the belief that life should be perfect. When we hold onto this belief, we are constantly disappointed and frustrated when things don’t go as planned.
  3. The illusion of fear: Fear is a powerful emotion that can lead to suffering. When we are afraid, we often hold ourselves back from experiencing life to the fullest.
  4. The illusion of separation: Many people believe that they are separate from others, which can lead…

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