Acharya Prashant explains that suffering is an essential prerequisite for the journey toward self-knowledge. He clarifies that while suffering is always present, it often remains unperceived. To make this suffering apparent, one must engage in two practices: first, researching the actual state of the world to peel back the surface layers of ignorance, and second, seeking the company of those who are far ahead in their spiritual journey. Reading the scriptures, biographies, and words of great saints can induce a form of 'inspirational suffering' or a sense of healthy shame by showing how others lived meaningfully despite similar or worse circumstances. He emphasizes that anyone claiming to be perfectly happy is likely ignorant of both internal and external realities, as the current state of the world does not warrant mindless laughter but rather a resolute, warrior-like struggle.