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Values of Pain: How a culture of convenience shapes our spirituality
Since the advent of aspirin in 1899, our expectations for a pain-free life have grown to include our emotions and even our spiritual endeavors. This book explores the history and consequences of our American attitudes to pain.
Pain is more than an inconvenience to be avoided. It is information about our environment and about our values. We engage with pain sometimes voluntarily - such as when we visit the gym or the tattoo parlor. Understanding what pain is good for without glamorizing or glorifying it can help us make use of painful experiences to become better people.
Pain is more than an inconvenience to be avoided. It is information about our environment and about our values. We engage with pain sometimes voluntarily - such as when we visit the gym or the tattoo parlor. Understanding what pain is good for without glamorizing or glorifying it can help us make use of painful experiences to become better people.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2017
7 people want to read
About the author
Jason Dias
28 books44 followersJason Dias is a neurodivergent existential psychologist - that is, an autistic man whose fascination with the human condition led him to an advanced degree in said condition.
His work in speculative fiction is united by literary, existential themes. Rather than publish scholarly works to be read only by scholars who already agree with the author, Jason's early obsession with Asimov, Heinlein, and later Stephen King showed him another way to express philosophical thoughts. Novels and short stories are more accessible than academic journals.
Besides, he's been known to say, "If I have a choice between writing in APA style and being punched in the face, I ask, 'How hard?'"
Central to his existentialist philosophy is the notion that hope is only possible through despair. If we are unwilling to engage with truth and our harder emotions, our hope is merely wishful thinking.
"It doesn't really get better," he says. "But we do."
His work in speculative fiction is united by literary, existential themes. Rather than publish scholarly works to be read only by scholars who already agree with the author, Jason's early obsession with Asimov, Heinlein, and later Stephen King showed him another way to express philosophical thoughts. Novels and short stories are more accessible than academic journals.
Besides, he's been known to say, "If I have a choice between writing in APA style and being punched in the face, I ask, 'How hard?'"
Central to his existentialist philosophy is the notion that hope is only possible through despair. If we are unwilling to engage with truth and our harder emotions, our hope is merely wishful thinking.
"It doesn't really get better," he says. "But we do."
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 6, 2018
Values of Pain” was more than helpful in helping me to understand not only pain but also emotions. I can say that I’ve gone through most of my life being able to accept pain but not knowing how to understand or deal with it. Dias begins with discussing physical pain which is naturally followed by emotional and spiritual pain. He validly discusses how modern society, particularly the U.S., avoids pain rather than finding value in it. Through his book I not only learned how to deal with painful experiences and emotions but also how to find value in them too. I realized that both my physical and emotional pain are just signals that I need to be challenged and I am ready for experiences. Furthermore, Dias recognizes that our emotions are a part of us and are not something to be ashamed of but accepted which seems to be the opposite these days. If everyone took the time to read his book we would have a much healthier and happier society.
December 14, 2017
Reading Dias’ Values of Pain I am reminded of this famous quote by writer and runner, Haruki Murakami, “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” Dias’ exploration of pain and the manner in which we avoid it or confront it, is scrupulous and indisputable. He delves into physical pain, emotional pain and existential pain, seamlessly, showing us in a piercing narrative that in an attempt to avoid pain, we ultimately avoid life – which just leads to more pain. His narrative resonates. It is so painfully honest, it’s both jarring and comforting.
He doesn’t coddle us with platitudes that say all will be OK. (Thankfully). He doesn’t give us a list of quick fixes to feel better. Instead, he teaches us, in his graceful prose, how not to mask pain with temporary ‘feel good’ solutions, but rather, to find value in our experience, our human experience of pain. If we attempt to avoid pain, we avoid life – the part that matters anyway. Values of Pain shows us an alternative way to live, and one that is greatly needed.
This book is highly recommended. The message in Values of Pain is one that applies to all of us - one that can help all of us.
Thank you to the author for writing this.
He doesn’t coddle us with platitudes that say all will be OK. (Thankfully). He doesn’t give us a list of quick fixes to feel better. Instead, he teaches us, in his graceful prose, how not to mask pain with temporary ‘feel good’ solutions, but rather, to find value in our experience, our human experience of pain. If we attempt to avoid pain, we avoid life – the part that matters anyway. Values of Pain shows us an alternative way to live, and one that is greatly needed.
This book is highly recommended. The message in Values of Pain is one that applies to all of us - one that can help all of us.
Thank you to the author for writing this.
August 27, 2019
Pain and Spirituality
Jason Dias discusses how the U.S. uses medicine, painkillers, and other means to avoid pain and discomfort. Referring to historical events and scientific facts about biology, Dias argues that pain is what gives life meaning and purpose. Several times, Dias shares moments in his life and his experience working with clients. Although the book was insightful, it did have several grammatical errors, words bunched too close and some of the wording did not make sense. It also would have been helpful for Dias to provide footnotes of extra information on certain medical terms and historical events for readers with no background knowledge. In summary, it is a great vol for those interested in society, science, and perspectives of people with autism.
Jason Dias discusses how the U.S. uses medicine, painkillers, and other means to avoid pain and discomfort. Referring to historical events and scientific facts about biology, Dias argues that pain is what gives life meaning and purpose. Several times, Dias shares moments in his life and his experience working with clients. Although the book was insightful, it did have several grammatical errors, words bunched too close and some of the wording did not make sense. It also would have been helpful for Dias to provide footnotes of extra information on certain medical terms and historical events for readers with no background knowledge. In summary, it is a great vol for those interested in society, science, and perspectives of people with autism.
May 11, 2019
A Powerful Read
As someone who comes from a family that does not face pain with much honesty, I found this book challenging in the best way. It's also relatable, and the candid, wry voice of the author had me laughing aloud a few times. For those looking to add clarity to their emotional lives, this is a great resource.
As someone who comes from a family that does not face pain with much honesty, I found this book challenging in the best way. It's also relatable, and the candid, wry voice of the author had me laughing aloud a few times. For those looking to add clarity to their emotional lives, this is a great resource.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews