"Life ceases to be so oppressive: we are free to give our own lives meaning and purpose, free to redeem our suffering by making something of it"

Walter Kaufmann touches on a transformative view of human existence, suggesting that life's burdens and struggles become less overwhelming when we understand our freedom to assign meaning and purpose to our own experiences. Rather than seeing ourselves as passive victims of fate, circumstance, or suffering, we have the capacity to actively interpret and shape our lives by the choices we make and the values we uphold.

Human existence is inherently marked by suffering, uncertainty, and even absurdity. The sense of oppression for many arises when life seems directionless or when suffering appears pointless. Kaufmann challenges this passivity by proposing that meaning is not something preordained or handed down from an external authority, but something we ourselves create. Through reflection, creativity, and intentionality, every individual possesses the freedom to determine what matters most to them.

The phrase "redeem our suffering by making something of it" speaks to the possibility of transformation. Suffering, although often painful and unavoidable, is not merely to be endured; instead, it can become a source of growth, understanding, and even artistic or moral achievement. When faced with adversity, the way one responds, by finding purpose within it or by letting it shape one's character, can lend value to experiences that might otherwise seem senseless.

Kaufmann’s perspective is rooted in existentialist thought, where freedom and responsibility are central. Rather than being crushed by the weight of suffering or the apparent lack of inherent meaning in life, we are called to embrace our autonomy. In doing so, oppression gives way to opportunity: the chance to make choices, to find reasons for living, and to redefine oneself and one’s path.

Ultimately, the realization that we are the authors of our own meaning liberates us. Suffering is no longer something that merely happens to us; it becomes something we can transform, integrate, and perhaps elevate, crafting out of pain a deeper sense of purpose and a life that reflects our truest values.