Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt. Oscar and the Pink lady (№ 412870)

But if I were him, if I were God, if I had opportunities like him, I would try to avoid suffering.
- No one can escape suffering. Neither God nor you. Not your parents, not me.
- Okay. I agree. But why suffer?
- Exactly. Suffering is a misery. Look closely at his face. Take a look. Does he have a suffering appearance?
- Nope. Wow, it doesn't seem to hurt.
- Well, yes. It is necessary to distinguish between two types of torment, baby Oscar, - physical suffering and moral suffering. Physical suffering is a test. Moral suffering is a choice.
- I don't understand.
- If nails are driven into your legs or wrists, you have no choice but to experience pain. You tolerate. On the contrary, at the thought of death you do not have to experience pain. You don't know what it is. So it's up to you.