As a respected philosopher, Leonard Schopenhauer is one of the most influential people of the 19th century, and today he is still influencing people and their philosophy, ethics and the overall view of life. His works consist of opinions on human will, pessimism and the existence. In this investigation, we will be discussing his work, philosophy and the impact he has on the current world we live in. Schopenhauer’s works, most especially ‘The World as Will and Representation,’ present a rather gloomy but very meaningful view of the struggles of life.
Introducing Schopenhauer’s Worldview
Schopenhauer’s philosophy is a complex system which has been influenced by both the Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. At the center of it all is the idea of the ‘will’ as an unconscious, instinctual force that drives people and the world. Schopenhauer told us that life is suffering, and that this is due to the never-ending wants that are produced by this will.
Influence of Eastern Philosophy
At a deeper level of Schopenhauer’s works, one can notice a clear interest in the philosophical systems of Asia. He believed that the understanding of suffering and the departure from desire is the key to the kind of salvation.
Unravelling the Cycle of Desire and Suffering
Unlike the optimistic Enlightenment philosophies, Schopenhauer stated that desire leads to infinite suffering. According to him, the only way to eliminate this suffering is to give up desire—a notion that is quite familiar to the Buddhist culture.
Art as an Alternative to the Will
According to Schopenhauer, art provided a brief escape from the demands of the will. In art, people can find a moment of pure perception, which makes them forget about the cycle of desire and suffering.
- Music Genius: Schopenhauer considered music as the supreme form of art as it is the representation of the will in its pure form beyond the representation of the phenomenon.
- Visual Arts: Painting and sculpture provided an opportunity to contemplate without being tied to time and space.
Compassion as an Ethical Standard
Although Schopenhauer was considered a pessimist, he proposed an ethical system based on compassion. He stated that selflessness is born from the understanding of the suffering that every individual undergoes.
Empathy as a Moral Foundation
Instead of reason, Schopenhauer located empathy as the basis of moral action, and therefore, encourages practices that alleviate suffering.
Schopenhauer’s Historical Impact
The philosopher has made a permanent impression on the Western world, and his ideas have affected many people, including Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud. Existentialism and some psychological theories of the subjective experience were also influenced by his ideas.
Nietzsche and Freud: His Intellectual Descendants
Both Nietzsche and Freud were heavily influenced by Schopenhauer in their own way. While Nietzsche developed the concept of will to power from Schopenhauer’s work, Freud’s psychoanalytic theories show Schopenhauer’s awareness of the involuntary self.
Implementation of Schopenhauer’s Thought in Modern Times
In the present world of today, where people are more concerned with the will and desire than ever before, Schopenhauer’s work is still meaningful. Some of the modern practices that are related to his ideas include meditation, mindfulness, and existential therapy, which help people manage their desires and understand their suffering.
| Philosophical Aspect | Modern Application |
| Will and Desire | Mindfulness and Meditation |
| Compassion and Ethics | Therapeutic Practices |
Tips: Taking a few minutes to sit in stillness can help reduce stress, and this is a concept that can be adopted from philosophical practices.
The Legacy of Schopenhauer
To this day, Schopenhauer’s views remain relevant and precious for understanding people and the problems of existence, and for understanding the world.
Conclusion
Though he is widely considered a pessimist, Schopenhauer provides a rather accurate view of human striving and suffering. His best known concepts include art as a refuge and compassion as a moral practice. It was fun exploring Schopenhauer’s philosophical world with you; be sure to check out other great philosophy articles on our site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary philosophical system of Schopenhauer?
Schopenhauer’s primary philosophy is based on the will as the primary force in nature, which leads to the never-ending suffering of people due to the unattainable desires.
How did Schopenhauer perceive art?
He considered art as a way to free the will from its control, and offer a form of pure will.
Who were influenced by Schopenhauer’s ideas?
Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud were two of the many people who were influenced by Schopenhauer.
