The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; On Human Nature (ePub)

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) was a German philosopher best known for his work 'The World as Will and Representation', in which he characterizes the phenomenal world as the product of a blind and insatiable metaphysical will. Schopenhauer's philosophy is noted for its pessimism and its philosophical clarity. His writing style is rigorous and often ironic, integrating a wide range of references to literature, philosophy, and Eastern thought. One of his later works, 'The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; On Human Nature', reveals his views on psychology, anthropology, and ethics, reflecting his belief in the significant influence of will in human behavior. His explorations of human nature suggest that individuals are motivated by their own basic desires, and he postulates that living is primarily suffering due to the desires and needs of the will. Schopenhauer's influence extends through various disciplines and has impacted notable figures like Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud. Despite the wider recognition following his death, during his lifetime, Schopenhauer was often dismissed by contemporaries due to his critical and abrasive writing style. Today, he remains a significant figure in the history of philosophy for his contributions to metaphysics, aesthetics, and psychology.