Can fun coexist with physical pain?

Yes, fun can coexist with physical pain. Dwarkesh Patel discusses this with David Deutsch on the Lunar Society, where they explore how fun is not merely the absence of pain. Patel notes that while pain might initially seem counterintuitive to fun, under certain conditions, experiencing physical pain can still be enjoyable. Pain does not necessarily lead to suffering—it might even enhance the sense of joy [ 1] .

Deutsch further elaborates that this notion should not be rigidly applied to every scenario. Criticism and adaptation are necessary to ensure that an activity remains fun and doesn't lead to suffering or stasis. This dynamic understanding of fun allows physical pain to be a part of enjoyable experiences, provided it is not overwhelming or unmanageable [ 1] .