The Devil's Advocate

The Gods are Laughing at Us: Black Humor and its Function in Spirituality

by John Shaden

“I’vebeenaccusedofvulgarity.Isaythat’sbullsh*t.”-MelBrooks

“TheonlymysteryinlifeiswhytheKamikazepilotsworehelmets.”-AlMcGuire

Life is suffering. Unless you are one of the estimated 1 in 125 million who are diagnosed with Congenital Analgesia (a rare neurological disorder where one cannot feel the sensation of pain), you will experience some form of physical discomfort. With that being said, physical pain is but one flavor of torment in this sadistic Baskin-Robbins we call reality. Emotional anguish is damn near universal, unless you are inflicted with Alexithymia or brain dead. Buddhists say it is attachment to desires that cause suffering. Only by letting go can we ever truly be free from pain. Maybe they have a valid point, but I think it's mostly bullsh*t. Pain, whether physical or mental, is inescapable. That’s that, folks. We are f*ck*d.

I have had my share of the lash of life. I have been jumped, beaten, stabbed, heartbroken, hit by a car, and had loved ones die tragically. I’ve gone through a crippling, and hopeless addiction And that's just the greatest hits (pun only slightly intended). That doesn't include b-sides, singles and bootlegs. I say this not for sympathy. Hell, I'm aware that when you give no quarter you sure as sh*t don't expect it, from friend or foe.

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