Worries and pain - the dark side of quality of life

Abstract

The development of mankind can be regarded as an ongoing struggle for a better quality of life and greater wellbeing. However “ as far as we can see ” there is always the drawback of different forms of negative wellbeing such as various worries and pain. A global view of the world’s people shows they partly enjoy life and partly suffer; many do both at the same time. It seems each age is characterized by a specific pattern of gratifying and satisfying traits, but also by a typical burden of worries and pain. It is inevitable in a globalized world that people share worldwide worries more than they did before. The bright side of life is always complemented by a dark side and worries and pain are excluded only in the idea of paradise. Common experience is that everyday disturbances as well as natural catastrophes and political disorganization are ongoing causes of worries and pain. Avoiding negative wellbeing and increasing positive wellbeing, together with expectations of a good future, are important contributors to the comprehensive wellbeing of people.