The Worship of Suffering in the Chinese Mind

This paper explores the phenomenon of "suffering worship" in the Chinese culture, drawing inspiration from a story written by a 12-year-old Chinese boy about a super-mosquito. The concept of "thriving in adversity, dying in comfort," deeply ingrained in the Chinese collective consciousness, is examined for its influence, especially for its potential drawbacks. The paper discusses how the worship of suffering is manifested through the glorification of anxiety, the promotion of diligence, and the exaltation of studiousness. The influence of this mind-set on parenting and the potential psychological trauma it can cause are also explored. The paper argues that psychoanalysis can help people by validating human vulnerabilities and encouraging healthy reflection.