I would like to emphasize the importance of striking the right balance between clarity and optimism, as I believe it can lead to a more peaceful existence.

Recently, I mentioned to some friends the crazy amount of criminal "news" I see daily in the press and on social media—rapes, murders and attempted murders, traffic offenses, drug trafficking ravages, and more. I wasn’t speaking in a complaining or depressed tone, just matter-of-factly (though a bit outraged, and slightly cynical). The response I got was, "I avoid reading those things because they depress me too much."

I can’t say I was surprised by this exchange, as it’s a reaction I can grasp. Perhaps I struggle to fully understand the deeper meaning behind it, as I find it hard to see any justification other than cowardice. Cowardice, because it’s a way of fleeing from the horrible reality, even ignoring it, blindfolding oneself to preserve one’s sanity—after all, it’s a natural psychological need for protection, so I blame no one. But denying a fact doesn’t erase it.

I believe it is crucial not only to know but also to understand the things happening around us. Of course, it’s impossible to know everything in depth; a surface understanding is often enough. I’m speaking as much on a scientific, cultural, or social level.

I digress... So why, in my opinion, is it harmful to ignore life’s horrors simply because they don’t affect us directly? I have several reasons.

Seeing reality as it is

I firmly believe that life is an abominable process. I won’t be telling you anything new by saying that every day, humans suffer from hunger, cold, loneliness, grief, hatred, disease, and sometimes die from it.

This happens constantly, on all scales—macro and micro, human and animal, with or without you. Life is an endless whirlwind of unjust violence. But I’m not here to dwell on the nature of these things, only to remind you that they are ever-present. Misfortune is ubiquitous.

So, what’s the point? What good is there in poisoning one’s mind with all these negative thoughts?

Because there is no lasting benefit to depriving oneself of a complete vision of things. Not only because avoiding a constant awareness of this violence can lead to its trivialization or make it seem less serious—by not giving it enough importance, or even none at all—but also, more simply, because humans should always seek the truth. And this constant violence is the truth. If you hear gunshots in your yard, would you rather stay alert for other suspicious noises or simply cover your ears as if they didn’t exist?

This holds true from a personal standpoint; but there are obvious benefits as a member of society. Awareness of others' suffering is beneficial because it opens the possibility of fighting against it, whether through voting, activism, or raising awareness.

Making the best of everything

We are all a little selfish, and it is to that part of you I want to speak. Constantly and consciously exposing yourself to this awful reality is infinitely beneficial on a personal level.

It’s a simple reflection, as old as time, yet deeply rooted in human wisdom: comparing your situation to that of an unfortunate soul struck by fate—whatever that may be—will make you appreciate your own more. It will make you grateful for possessing things so basic that you take them for granted: a roof, a bed, water, food, one or two friends, and peace; being able to walk, talk, hear, and smell. Of course, we can complain about being stuck in traffic, paying ten bucks for a bland sandwich, or having to sacrifice our Sunday to rake leaves in the garden...

But others don’t have a garden because they live in war zones, many walk ten miles to drink dirty water, or freeze in the streets receiving just enough alms to buy a bowl of soup, or lose their limbs in a car accident, or were born without sight and have never seen the colors of the world, or have never heard their mother’s voice. I’m not trying to say that our own problems aren’t valid, but it is healthy to put things in perspective, not only because it will cultivate feelings of gratitude and humility within you but also resilience.

Why would this build resilience? Because many souls struck by misfortune face life with a silent courage, especially those who have never known the immense comfort that many enjoy. Others overcome challenges far greater than anything you will ever have to face: and this can become a source of inner strength, inspiring you to tackle your own challenges with more optimism and humility. And humility inspires humility.

Thus, you will be able to make the best out of all situations. Your restaurant dish is bland? Raise a fuss if it was too expensive, but don’t get too down about it: at least you had something to eat.

Emotional Abstraction

Exposing yourself to the misfortunes of others strengthens empathy, and for many people, it deeply drains them. And empathy is an excellent quality. But this is where the importance of abstraction comes into play.

Expose yourself to the suffering of others without letting it deeply affect you. Remember that in the vast majority of cases, there's absolutely nothing you can do and you are not in a position to change the fate of these people — at least not directly. So, once you've done your best to improve things as a member of society, why worry about it beyond that?

Simply keep in mind the terrible reality of things, the suffering that so many people endure, without letting that awareness bring you down. Use it to make informed choices, contribute your best to this imperfect world, and live better by learning to appreciate your own situation, which many, inevitably, would envy.

Practice abstraction. It’s important.