Arthur Schopenhauer is considered one of the most influential and pessimistic philosophers in history. His ideas influenced Friedrich Nietzsche, Sigmund Freud, and many modern thinkers.
Schopenhauer believed that most of human suffering stems from their desires and longings.
1. The Fundamental Element of Life is "Will"
According to Schopenhauer, there is no logic or plan behind this world.
A blind force operates behind it, which he called "Will."
This desire exists within every living being.
For example,
When we feel hungry, we want to eat.
When we get money, we want more money.
When we achieve success, we want even greater success.
This cycle of desires never ends.
Schopenhauer used to say:
"Man gets what he wants, but he cannot decide what he wants."
2. Life is Suffering
This is his most famous teaching.
He believed that life constantly oscillates between suffering and dissatisfaction.
For example,
You want to buy a new bike.
Desire and uneasiness persist until you get it.
Once you get the bike, you experience happiness for a while.
Then a desire for a new car, a new phone, or some other desire arises.
That is, a desire arises, then it is achieved, then boredom sets in, then a new desire arises.
Schopenhauer considered this cycle to be the root of life's suffering.
3. Reduce Desires, Happiness Will Increase
Schopenhauer believed that the path to happiness is not to acquire more things, but to reduce desires.
For example,
There are two people.
The first person needs an expensive car, a big house, and branded clothes to be happy.
For the second person, simple food, a few good friends, and a quiet life are enough.
According to Schopenhauer, the second person will be more at peace because they have fewer desires.
This idea is very similar to Buddhist philosophy.
4. Art and Music Provide Temporary Relief from Suffering
Schopenhauer believed that art temporarily frees a person from their desires.
He especially considered music to be the greatest art.
For example,
When you get lost in beautiful music or look at a great painting, you forget your problems for a while.
At that time, your focus is on beauty, not desires.
According to Schopenhauer, this is the greatest power of art.
5. Compassion is the Foundation of Morality
Although Schopenhauer considered life to be painful, he was not selfish.
He believed that because all living beings suffer, we should have compassion for them.
For example,
If you help a poor, sick, or injured person, you are recognizing that their suffering is as real as your own.
According to Schopenhauer:
"True morality is born of compassion."
🎊 Essence of Schopenhauer's 5 teachings
1. Desire is the fundamental force of life
Every living being is driven by some desire.
2. Suffering is natural in life
Desires never completely disappear.
3. Reduce desires
Fewer expectations bring greater peace.
4. Enjoy art and music
They provide temporary relief from suffering.
5. Develop compassion
Understanding the suffering of others is morality.
He believed that humans often think that the next achievement will bring them lasting happiness.
But when that achievement is achieved, a new desire is born.
Hence Schopenhauer's most profound teaching:
"Happiness comes not from adding things, but from subtracting unnecessary desires."
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