Do people really have to suffer up to a certain extent before they learn a valuable lesson? Are we really incapable of reaching a point in our lives where we are able to automatically comprehend the potential lessons that would surface and bring us enlightenment, should a particular event occur. I am convinced critical thinking would possibly make suffering obsolete in some instances. If we could just, actually think carefully, and make use of the abundance of bad historical decisions that exist around us, to our advantage. And don't give me that "not everyone can do that" bullshit. You're right. And wrong. Everyone can, albeit eventually, do that. I've seen it, and I am impressed by the few who had taken full advantage of their ability to gradually attain this thought process.