Norwegian philosopher, Zapffe is known for extending Schopenhauer’s dark existentialism and framing human consciousness as an evolutionary misstep. He believed that human self-awareness leads to suffering because it far exceeds what is necessary for survival. In my writing, I caution against limiting ourselves to Zapffe’s fatalistic views. His four strategies for coping with this burden—isolation, anchoring, distraction, and sublimation—are interesting but focus on enduring, not thriving. I advocate for embracing the wild horse of existence by choosing paths that emphasize meaning and enjoyment.