Abstract
There are different approaches towards meaning of the suffering in the history of humankind. The approach of Aristippos of Cyrene and his hedonism and approach of some of the eastern religions are described in the text.
The attention is dedicated to judeo-christian tradition of Western Europe. According to that tradition, the meaning of the suffering is not known, but this does not mean that there is no meaning in the suffering.
Because of its judeo-christian roots, Europe perceives pain and suffering as an evil, which must be actively fought against. A man is in judeo-christian perspective co-creator of the world and his task is to relieve suffering, everywhere it is possible.
The health is not only absence of disease and pain, but health is also linked to the interpersonal relationships and the well-being of the nature as a whole.