Principlev1
Distinguish between primary suffering (direct pain of
Distinguish between primary suffering (direct pain of events) and secondary suffering (pain from resisting primary suffering) to identify where your intervention can reduce total suffering.
Why This Is a Principle
Derives from Belief Perseverance Against Contradictory Evidence (cognitive systems maintain existing beliefs despite contradictory evidence), Cognition Operates Through Dual Processing Systems (System 1 vs System 2 processing), and Human well-being consists of multiple distinct capabilities (human well-being consists of multiple distinct capabilities). The principle prescribes separating unavoidable pain from self-generated suffering to direct intervention effectively.