Martian Notes

Unfortunately, I have some firsthand experience with physical pain recently, which prompted to think about the enigma of the vivid, unbearable sensation.

Pain is unique. The feeling of it varies greatly among individuals. The ability of enduring pain cannot be quantified or compared. One may find a knife cut merely nothing while the other may hold back his/her tears. If direct encounters with pain is inevitable in one’s journey through life, how could the pain-enduring ability be fortified? Superhero movies mislead us to believe that they can really resist any blows or strikes without any hard feelings. It is just the movies, fantasies made true for those who still dream. In reality, us normal humans may have to build up our defense system against pains through tears and tear.

Pain induces fear. The fear of pain could outweigh the painful feeling itself. Like some exquisite psychological warfare, the fear of pain may exaggerate the suffering in one’s memory, by lasting longer and striking harder. It is always the ultimate truth to believe in the dogma that the only thing to fear is fear itself.

But I am still afraid, of the incoming, unexpected pains that will surely attack. Instead of worrying and imagining the horrors, I might just wait in peace and take it. Just take it. Do not scream and clench your teeth, as my coldblooded mother would say.