By experiencing or living with pain, insight, knowledge and understanding can be introduced to things that might not have been realized in a lifetime without pain. Because of pain, the true meaning of life, what it is to live and the value of oneself and others, is to be under one's control. Pain strengthens the body, mind and spirit. As Virginia Woolf says in her essay on Being Sick, the true beauty of people and the true beauty of the earth can be seen through the eyes of those who suffer. Still according to Woolf, pain can lead to spiritual divinity. My understanding is that the power of prayer for some people does not lie in belief until pain has taken over the body of oneself or a loved one. Pain seems to open the eyes of those who have not lived properly. The little things in life are often neglected due to a busy and driven, career-driven lifestyle. The joys of living come through the details of the small gestures given or received. The golden rule of “treat others as you would like to be treated” is very important for people who want to live a happy life. Until he fell seriously ill, Ivan Ilyich, the main character of The Death of Ivan Ilyich, never appreciated the little things in life. His attention was limited to a single subject. “Ivan made work the center of gravity of his life (p. 50).” Before anything else, including his marriage, Ivan's work and the analysis of his lifestyle were the first priority. Neither Ivan nor his friends respected each other. Ivan's family and friends treated him like he was a big inconvenience. Ivan's co-workers were selfish about who would get his job. His wife was also selfish about his well-being. “Ivan's wife, Praskovya Fyodorovna, entered Ivan's hospital room... in the middle of a diary... weeks in critical condition. Fortunately, she survived and my passenger and I survived with minor injuries. Not a day goes by that I don't think about what happened, but I know it happened for a reason. Going through this painful situation made me a more strong-willed person. Taking things for granted is what I don't do. I really enjoy my life and that of my family. A life can be taken at any time. Giving thanks for the joy and love of life is something that must be done daily. Material objects are always replaceable, but not human beings. The memories created will last a lifetime, but the presence of a loved one will not. The best advice is to live life to the fullest and value sentimental possessions, especially family and friends. Pain is not an ease, but it helps ease the minds of those who are most important by making them respect and allow them to value..