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Unless _suffering_ is the direct and immediate object of life, our
existence must entirely fail of its aim. It is absurd to look upon
the enormous amount of pain that abounds everywhere in the world, and
originates in needs and necessities inseparable from life itself, as
serving no purpose at all and the result of mere chance. Each separate
misfortune, as it comes, seems, no doubt, to be something exceptional;
but misfortune in general is the rule.

I know of no greater absurdity than that propounded by most systems of
philosophy in declaring evil to be negative in its character. Evil is
just what is positive; it makes its own existence felt. Leibnitz is
particularly concerned to defend this absurdity; and he seeks to
strengthen his position by using a palpable and paltry sophism.[1]
It is the good which is negative; in other words, happiness and
satisfaction always imply some desire fulfilled, some state of pain
brought to an end.

[Footnote 1: _Translator's Note_, cf. _Thèod_, §153.--Leibnitz argued
that evil is a negative quality--_i.e_., the absence of good; and that
its active and seemingly positive character is an incidental and not
an essential part of its nature. Cold, he said, is only the absence of
the power of heat, and the active power of expansion in freezing water
is an incidental and not an essential part of the nature of cold. The
fact is, that the power of expansion in freezing water is really an
increase of repulsion amongst its molecules; and Schopenhauer is quite
right in calling the whole argument a sophism.]

This explains the fact that we generally find pleasure to be not
nearly so pleasant as we expected, and pain very much more painful.

The pleasure in this world, it has been said, outweighs the pain; or,
at any rate, there is an even balance between the two. If the reader
wishes to see shortly whether this statement is true, let him compare
the respective feelings of two animals, one of which is engaged in
eating the other.

The best consolation in misfortune or affliction of any kind will
be the thought of other people who are in a still worse plight than
yourself; and this is a form of consolation open to every one. But
what an awful fate this means for mankind as a whole!

We are like lambs in a field, disporting themselves under the eye of
the butcher, who chooses out first one and then another for his prey.
So it is that in our good days we are all unconscious of the evil Fate
may have presently in store for us--sickness, poverty, mutilation,
loss of sight or reason.

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The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; The Art of Literature is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Arthur Schopenhauer is in the English language. If you enjoy the works of Arthur Schopenhauer then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection. ... Read more

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The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Social Science / General; Philosophy / History ... Read more

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This title introduces students to the context, key themes and influence of Schopenhauer's major work, a key text in 19th Century German thought. Schopenhauer's "The World as Will and Representation" is widely considered to be one of the most important and influential texts in nineteenth-century German philosophy. The text provides an avenue through which to introduce and explore a rich assortment of philosophical themes and questions, and represents Schopenhauer's widely discussed attempt to find personal meaning amidst a violent, frustrating and seemingly godless world. Since it was published in 1818, the text has influenced generations of musicians, artists, writers and historians, as well as philosophers. This Reader's Guide presents a concise and accessible introduction to the text, offering invaluable guidance on: Philosophical context; Key themes; Reading the text; Reception and influence; and Further reading. "Continuum Reader's Guides" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to key texts in literature and philosophy.Each book explores the themes, context, criticism and influence of key works, providing a practical introduction to close reading, guiding students towards a thorough understanding of the text. They provide an essential, up-to-date resource, ideal for undergraduate students. ... Read more

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As composer Richard Wagner noted, with Schopenhauer one may finally give voice to the secretly held belief that the world is bad. This blunt honesty was Schopenhauer's trademark. Perhaps no philosopher equaled him in relatinf metaphysical speculation to the seemingly random events of everyday life. This volume includes " On Thinking for Oneself, "On the Affirmation of the Will-to-Live, "On Suicide, "The World as Will: Second Aspect, "On the Fundamental View of Idealism, "On the Metaphysics of Music, "The Foundation of Ethics, and other essential writings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Fine Selection
Concise, ideal introduction to Arthur Schopenhauer, it's only competition can be from Hollingdale's compilation with Penguin Books. Right for the price, even if it's only for review. 304 pgs. Translation from Payne's editions of Schopenhauer's writings.

The best single volume collection of Schopenhauer in print
Although it is getting harder to find, The German Library's Schopenhauer entry, volume 27, entitled "Philosophical Writings," has long been the best collection of Schopenhauer's works in one book.Here edited by Wolfgang Schirmacher and in translations by E.F.J. Payne (who produced the definitive translation of all of Schopenhauer's major works) are 300 pages worth of selections from Schopenhauer's canon.From his seminal tract _The World As Will and Representation_ to his later-life essay collection _Parerga and Paralipomena_, this book has it all.

The 16 chapters here correspond to chapters in his works, although there are no indications from where in Schopenhauer's oeuvre they are being pulled-- the collections's major flaw.However there is literally no aspect of Schopenhauer's major points that is not given a voice here."On Thinking For Oneself" is a chapter out of the second volume of the Parerga; as is his essay "On Suicide" and "Additional Remarks on the Doctrine of the Suffering of the World."From the second volume of _The World as Will and Representation_ we get an essay "On the Fundamental View of Idealism" as well as "On the Affirmation of the Will-To-Live.""The Foundation of Ethics" is a lengthy section of _On the Basis of Morality_.Only 2 of the 16 sections feature abridgment of any kind: "Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life" has long been available as a separate book, although it is part of the first volume of the Parega; and Schopenhauer's summary statement, the important fourth section of the first volume of _The World as Will and Representation_, is here in a 75 page chunk of the original 143 pages.

If there is a complaint to this book, it is that it does not give full expression to Schopenhauer's personality-- for example, his views on women.However this is not essential, and as stated this compilation does excellently in presenting the force and insight of Schopenhauer's thought in one set of covers.Schirmacher's introduction is lively and presents Schopenhauer as a still-important, still-relevant presence in the contemporary world-- easy to say of someone who forshadowed the advancements of Einstein, Freud and Darwin.

With statements on ethics, metaphysics, aesthetics, and politics, I would point anyone who wants Schopenhauer in 300 pages or less to make this purchase.As an avid reader of the man I honestly recommend Schopenhauer's larger works in their entirety; however for the reader prohibited by time or schedule, this is the best selection available, and can serve as an introductory text as well.

Dark Thoughts to Console 21st Souls
Schirmacher's brilliant introduction alone justifies this fascinating collection of Germany's most popular philosopher today - and Schopenhauer wrote and breathed in the 19th century!

Schopenhaur, the philosopher whofirst brought Buddhist insights into mainstream European philosophy,remains a paradox. On one hand, he acknowledges that life is adisappointment and almost all is vanity. On the other hand, sensualpleasure provides some solace and a solid foundation for an ethics ofcompassion.

While I often had to reread several passages a few times toextract some clear understanding, this influential tome provides anexcellent overview of a controversial philosopher whose ideas continue toinspire and confuse.

I found Schopenhaur's harsh denunciation ofnationalism particularly interesting given the fact that he was writing ata time of rising German nationalism. "The cheapest form of pride isnational pride; for the man affected therewith betrays a want of individualqualities of which he might be proud since he would not otherwise resort tothat which he shares with so many millions." (p.276)

Given thetragic consequences that extreme nationalism lead to in Germany during the20th century, it seems a safe bet that Schopenhaur will remain a strongphilosophical presence in 21st Europe.

On every philosophical votaries must read list.
As an understudy of Kant, Schopenhauer fluidly writes an entirely feasible and origional philosophy which has proven to forshadow and inspire the thoughts of Nietsche.Schpenhauer represents German idealism at its apex ... Read more

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This book is focused on Schopenhauer's image of England and the experiences which formed it, notably time spent at Wimbledon School under the influence of its Christian headmaster. This book should be of interest to advanced students of philosophy and educationalists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Ninety Days That Changed Philosophy
Remember the old adage, "Don't judge a book by its cover?" Well, in this case take that saying to heart, especially if you are a fan, reader, or otherwise interested in the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer.

At first glance it would seem this is a tome written by a scholar-squirrel sure to produce boredom to the 10th degree, especially when one takes into consideration the fact this book has almost 400 of these pages.

However, when I put these prejudices aside and delved into the bok itself I found a well-written and entertaining look at a crucial period in the young Schopenhauer's life. The question that occupies the author was the extent to which this experience changed Schopenhauer's view of England the the English. Schopenhauer was an Anglophile equally at home with the English language as he was with German. His philosophical writings show the English influence: they are easier to read and digest than those by German philosophers, which accounts for much of Schopenhauer's popularity with the intelligent public.

It was not, however, a happy stay for the young Schopenhauer at the Wimbledon School. Rather, it was a very traumatic experience attributed to the desire of Schopenhauer's mother, Johanna, to be rid of her son while she and Schopenhauer's father could enjoy their European vacation alone. Added to this was the fact that the headmaster at Wimbledon was a strict Anglican clergyman to whom the young Schopenhauer took an immediate dislike.

The author argues that the headmaster played a role in the formulation of Schopenhauer's later philosophy, which in itself was a refutation of Christianity (especially that practiced by his headmaster)written in English style containing many allusions to his three months at Wimbledon. It is a compelling argument and one that calls out for serious connsideration.

Also included in the book are letters to Schopenhauer at Wimbleton from friends, and, especially his mother, who takes her son's side in his ongoing argument with the headmaster. Last, but not least, is a series of letters from Schopenhauer to English publisher Francis Haywood offering to translate Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason" into English. Unfortunately for Schopenhauer, and the rest of us as well, he was turned down. How interesting might have been the course of philosophy in England and America if only Schopenhauer was taken up on his offer. Besides casting Kant in a new light, it may well have speeded up the discovery of Schopenhauer's own philosophy and changed the course of philosophy. ... Read more

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This is an OCR edition without illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from GeneralBooksClub.com. You can also preview excerpts from the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Published by: W. Scott in 1890 in 236 pages; Subjects: Philosophy / General; Biography & Autobiography / General; Biography & Autobiography / Philosophers; Philosophy / General; Philosophy / History & Surveys / General; Philosophy / History & Surveys / Modern; ... Read more

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THIS 96 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Landmarks For Beginners In Philosophy V2, by Irwin Edman. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 141917391X. ... Read more

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"Collected here are five short essays, A Dialogue, A Few Words on Pantheism, On Books and Reading, Physiognomy, and, Psychological Observations, by the world renowned philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer." ... Read more

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Schopenhauer says art really does get us to the Platonic universals
I read this book for a graduate seminar on the philosophy of art.It is important to note that the Germans look on art as more than art.They look on art as a cultural phenomenon that has deep significance for understanding reality and not just to study experiences and such.Arthur Schopenhauer's book "The World As Will And Representation," shows an interesting relation between him and Nietzsche which is very important because Schopenhauer was an important influence on Nietzsche, but always in an ambivalent manner.Nietzsche followed Schopenhauer on his philosophical model of reality.At the bottom of Schopenhauer's philosophy is his belief that reality is chaotic, a surging force that has no purpose, no meaning.Of course Schopenhauer drew from the notion that that life is meaningless and pessimism is a philosophy that says the more you think properly about the nature of reality the more you have to come to a pessimistic conclusion, which is, there is no ultimate meaning in life.The proper thing to do would be to turn away from the manner of resignation.

Thus, Schopenhauer did Kant one better by taking "disinterest" as not only a mode of apprehension that had nothing to do with the personal interest of the subject.Schopenhauer thought that this gave the self, the person an inkling of the pleasures of renunciation.Another word, the pleasures of aesthetic contemplation is the first signal that it is desirable to turn off one's will to live.It is desirable to turn away from interests.If reality is ultimately chaotic and formless with no ultimate purpose, then the question arises from this statement."Can life be meaningful given that truth"?Schopenhauer says no.

Schopenhauer follows Kant; he says art really does get us to the Platonic universals; however, he completely reinterprets Plato's universals as not being cognitive but being receptive.Almost as though Schopenhauer says, Plato is wrong that art couldn't be something expressive and universal.An interesting theory; for example, when you are looking at a portrait, what is really essential about the portrait is not the idiosyncrasies of the individual subject, what is important about a great portrait is that it expresses something universal about the human condition, you learn something about the human through the universal sense of art.Here he is objecting to Plato's notion that universals are purely cognitive, and art is purely sensuous, Schopenhauer says no, art can give us an experience of something that is universal, and far exceeds the power of sciences.Schopenhauer says for instance if we wanted to understand the sea, we could try to come up with a definition, or we could turn to oceanography, or science that categorizes the characteristics of the ocean, etc.Schopenhauer says that is not universal, that is a very narrow perspective on the meaning of what the sea is, however the painter or the poet that shows us the vastness of the sea is what gets us to the universal understanding of what the sea is, and as something that is significant.

However, Schopenhauer thought art was only a temporary refuge from the more chaotic elements of the will, and the will is this kind of aimless surging.What is interesting about Schopenhauer is that he ridicules optimism and he ridicules the idea that in all the characteristics of existence still somehow it all adds up, some how it is worth while it is meaningful, he ridicules these ideas with his very powerful analysis of the facts of life.Anybody that takes an honest look at life could easily conclude that life doesn't add up to anything.Life is just a cycle of births and deaths people strive for things all the time and they are crushed, and that is it.Plato was concerned about tragedy as a dark and dangerous message that he wanted to overcome, but Schopenhauer says of all the art forms, tragedy is the highest art form because it targets specifically the message of the futility of existence.What is interesting in Schopenhauer and where Nietzsche is different is there are interesting moments in Schopenhauer's analysis of tragedy is one would think the Greeks would give up trying to assert their wills and would cease to play the game.But, on occasion what he says its that what strikes him about the Greeks is that they were not pessimistic, in fact they were the very opposite, they were life affirming, active and productive, not a resigning race at all.Schopenhauer was stuck by this and found it strange, his explanation for it was well they may have invented tragedy but they haven't really lived up to the full implication.Later we had to learn more about tragedy and modern tragedy that gets more to the point, which he says the whole point of tragedy is to teach resignation.Therefore, Schopenhauer says the Greeks were kind of childish and started the whole thing, but they didn't quite understand what tragedy meant.I find this point is a preposterous analysis by, Schopenhauer!

I recommend this work for anyone interested in philosophy, and philosophy of art.
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The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Publisher: Longmans, Green; Publication date: 1876; Subjects: Philosophy / General; Philosophy / History ... Read more

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Speech and the communication of thought, which, in their mutual relations, are always attended by a slight impulse on the part of the will, are almost a physical necessity. Sometimes, however, the lower animals entertain me much more than the average man. For, in the first place, what can such a man say? It is only conceptions, that is, the driest of ideas, that can be communicated by means of words; and what sort of conceptions has the average man to communicate, if he does not merely tell a story or give a report, neither of which makes conversation? ... Read more

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This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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In these pages I shall speak of _The Wisdom of Life_ in the common
meaning of the term, as the art, namely, of ordering our lives so as
to obtain the greatest possible amount of pleasure and success; an art
the theory of which may be called _Eudaemonology_, for it teaches us
how to lead a happy existence. Such an existence might perhaps be
defined as one which, looked at from a purely objective point of
view, or, rather, after cool and mature reflection--for the question
necessarily involves subjective considerations,--would be decidedly
preferable to non-existence; implying that we should cling to it for
its own sake, and not merely from the fear of death; and further, that
we should never like it to come to an end.

Now whether human life corresponds, or could possibly correspond,
to this conception of existence, is a question to which, as is
well-known, my philosophical system returns a negative answer. On the
eudaemonistic hypothesis, however, the question must be answered in
the affirmative; and I have shown, in the second volume of my chief
work (ch. 49), that this hypothesis is based upon a fundamental
mistake. Accordingly, in elaborating the scheme of a happy existence,
I have had to make a complete surrender of the higher metaphysical and
ethical standpoint to which my own theories lead; and everything I
shall say here will to some extent rest upon a compromise; in so far,
that is, as I take the common standpoint of every day, and embrace
the error which is at the bottom of it. My remarks, therefore, will
possess only a qualified value, for the very word _eudaemonology_ is a
euphemism. Further, I make no claims to completeness; partly because
the subject is inexhaustible, and partly because I should otherwise
have to say over again what has been already said by others.

The only book composed, as far as I remember, with a like purpose to
that which animates this collection of aphorisms, is Cardan's _De
utilitate ex adversis capienda_, which is well worth reading, and may
be used to supplement the present work. Aristotle, it is true, has a
few words on eudaemonology in the fifth chapter of the first book
of his _Rhetoric_; but what he says does not come to very much.
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The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Social Science / General; Philosophy / History ... Read more

Product Description
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process.We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more