"Why is it so painful to watch a person sink? Because there is something unnatural in it, for nature demands personal progress, evolution, and every backward step means wasted energy"

August Strindberg, in this informative quote, catches the psychological and existential angst connected with experiencing somebody's decline or regression in life. At its core, the quote grapples with the idea of progress as a basic principle of nature and human existence. Strindberg suggests that individual development and development are not merely desirable however are intrinsic to the very essence of life's natural order. This belief lines up with the wider philosophical and evolutionary idea that life is naturally tailored towards advancement and improvement.

The pain of seeing someone "sink" or fall backwards is heightened by the viewed unnaturalness of their regression. It contravenes the natural course of life, which is inclined towards enhancement and development. When a specific regresses or takes a "backward step," it is not merely a personal failure but a disruption of the natural order that Strindberg believes governs our presence. This makes the experience jarring, as it does not align with the instinctual expectation of forward movement and growth.

Moreover, Strindberg points to the ineffectiveness and waste connected with regression. Development, both on an individual and collective level, is fueled by energy-- time, effort, resources-- and every step backwards implies not only stagnancy but also the squandering of this energy. There's a sense of lost capacity, as the energy expended fails to result in the awaited advancement. This wasted energy might have contributed to personal or social development, making the regression particularly terrible.

Eventually, the quote challenges us to assess the significance of continuous growth and the social and natural norm of advancement. It acts as both a poignant observation of specific human struggles and a more comprehensive commentary on the requirement of development as a fundamental element of life. Strindberg brings to the fore the pain and grief related to backward movement, urging an appreciation for the ceaseless march of personal and collective advancement.