Introduction : the paradox of pointless suffering
Three modern ways of looking at pointless suffering
We should eliminate pointless suffering : on John Stuart Mill and the paradox of Utilitarianism
We should embrace pointless suffering : on Friedrich Nietzsche and the challenge of the Eternal return
We must take responsibility for pointless suffering : on Hannah Arendt and the banality of evil
Interlude on the problem of evil
Four perennial ways of looking at pointless suffering
Pointless suffering reveals God : on the Book of Job and the significance of freedom
Pointless suffering atones us with nature : on Epictetus and the gratitude for existence
Interlude on heaven and hell
Pointless suffering evokes our humanity : on Confucius and the and the rituals of compassion
Pointless suffering inspires art : on Sidney Bechet and the music of Blues-understanding
Conclusion : the way of suffering humanly