Would a World Without Pain Be Better?

Eliran asked: "Hi. Hashem created so many beautiful things in the world, but on the flip side, there are things that are really hard to understand. I mean pain. Anyone who has broken a bone or twisted an ankle knows what I am talking about... I really would like to understand why it has to be so painful? Thanks."

Hi Eliran, thank you for your question.

There are painful experiences in our world that serve as lessons or challenges for our souls. While personal experiences of pain are undeniable, one way to cope with the emotional suffering that accompanies it is to step back and view reality from a broader perspective. Objectivity allows us to appreciate even the hard things in life when we understand their essential purpose. What may seem like a drawback from a narrow perspective can be seen as a gift from a wider viewpoint. Physical pain is one such example. Without it, we could not thrive or enjoy long, healthy lives. But first, let’s try to understand what pain really is.

What is Pain?

Contrary to common belief, our organs do not actually feel pain or touch, cold, or heat. Our body’s organs lack physical sensation. Sensations of touch and pain occur entirely within our brains, which create the physical experiences we feel as needed.

How does the brain know what experience to create? Throughout our bodies and organs runs a "peripheral nervous system," a network of strands converging into the spinal cord, which sends signals to the brain at speeds up to 150 miles per hour.

Hashem designed the brain to receive these signals in a special area called the "central nervous system," generating experiences ranging from touch, wetness, dryness, temperature, pressure, and, of course, pain, depending on the intensity of injury. Through these nerves, we understand what is happening in our bodies and respond accordingly.

People who undergo surgery on large areas of skin often do not feel the operated area afterward because the nerves were damaged. If the brain does not receive signals from the nerves, there is no sensation of touch or pain. Similarly, the spinal cord is crucial for transmitting information to and from the brain. Damage to it can result in paralysis.

From this, one might think that pain is an inevitable phenomenon, a necessary part of life. But in reality, pain is a blessing in disguise.

People Who Don’t Feel Pain

To illustrate, let’s consider a surprising example: some people are born with a rare genetic disorder that prevents them from feeling pain. They can sense touch, temperature, and pleasure but not pain.

This condition is called CIPA, Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis.

Worldwide, only a few hundred cases have been documented. Interestingly, many occur among Bedouin tribes in the Negev, where intermarriage within the tribe increases the likelihood of inheriting this rare gene.

The brain normally creates the experience of pain, just as it does for other sensations. In those with CIPA, the brain cannot generate the feeling of pain, though it allows all other bodily sensations.

At first glance, this might seem like a blessing, someone who can feel pleasure but not pain. Yet, in reality, it is a curse that shortens their lives, often preventing them from reaching adulthood.

A child with CIPA may bite their tongue or choke without noticing. They may burn their throat on hot drinks or risk life-threatening infections from minor injuries. They do not feel when internal organs are ill or when muscles ache. Recovery from injury is complicated because the body cannot signal pain, leaving them prone to repeated injuries. Such individuals require constant medical supervision but cannot communicate what hurts.

These cases teach us the importance of feeling both minor and intense pain. Without it, few would survive to old age. Science confirms that pain is vital for our health and is even more essential than pleasure. Pain is not a flaw; it is a brilliant design from Hashem, whose wisdom could fill countless books.

"How great are Your works, Hashem, in wisdom You have made them all" (Psalms 104:24). Many associate this verse with the beauty of creation but it applies even more to the less pleasant things that sustain our very lives.

In the next article, we will explore pain’s significance even further.

Life is a School

Fire is beautiful, but a child who touches it recoils immediately. As the saying goes, "He who has been burned in the past is cautious even with cold things."

Pain not only alerts us to danger, it educates us to avoid it. Children learn from minor injuries to be careful with more serious risks. Hashem created a natural system of gradual learning, teaching us our limitations and guiding us to act rationally in the world.

Physical pain is not merely a red light signaling injury. Its emotional intensity teaches us to protect ourselves and value life. This is why Hashem gave blood its red color, a visible warning of injury. Had it been transparent or blue, the danger might not be recognized immediately.

Hashem commands in the Torah, "And you shall be very careful about your souls" (Deuteronomy 4:15). The world itself operates according to Torah principles, which precede creation.

Severe pain, such as from a broken bone, forces a person to stop and seek help immediately. Even during recovery, pain guides behavior, preventing further harm. Remarkably, Hashem also designed the brain to override pain in extreme danger, allowing one to act to save themselves or others.

Moreover, Hashem provided plants and substances to relieve pain, allowing medicine to intervene once danger has passed. Every aspect of pain is purposeful.

Pain, Soul Correction, and Life’s Purpose

Every injury, even minor suffering, can serve as atonement and correction for the soul. Our sages explain, "Even if he reaches into his pocket to take three coins, and only two come to hand, this is suffering" (Arachin 16b).

Beyond correction, pain teaches us life’s purpose. Those shielded from pain may overvalue material pleasures. Those exposed to pain often realize that life is not solely for enjoyment, and that spiritual growth and Torah study are essential.

As the Ramchal writes in Mesilat Yesharim, "In truth, no rational person can believe the purpose of man's creation is for his situation in this world with many kinds of sorrow, ailments, pains, and annoyances, and after all that, death."

Experiencing pain helps us recognize our inner spiritual value and the temporary nature of the body. It encourages investment in the eternal, in kindness, and in Torah study.

Pain builds character. Many Jews begin their search for life’s meaning through suffering, leading them back to their faith, wisdom, and personal growth. Pain serves as a ladder to greatness, as Hashem teaches, "Just as a man disciplines his son, so does Hashem your G-d discipline you" (Deuteronomy 8:5).

Our sages tell us that in the World to Come, we will thank Hashem not only for blessings but also for painful experiences: "Not like this world is the world to come. In this world, for good news one says, 'Blessed is He who is good and does good,' and for bad news, 'Blessed is the True Judge.' But in the world to come, all of it will be said, 'He who is good and does good'" (Pesachim 50a).

The righteous accept suffering with love and gratitude, trusting that everything Hashem does is for their ultimate good. May we merit to attain this profound and holy perspective.