‘The Wisdom of Life’ is one of Arthur Schopenhauer's works, originally published in 1851 as part of his collection ‘Parerga and Paralipomena.’ In this work, Schopenhauer presents a series of aphorisms and brief reflections on achieving a wiser and more satisfying life. He discusses topics such as the pursuit of happiness, the nature of human suffering, the importance of self-understanding, and the art of living wisely in the face of life's adversities.
Schopenhauer's aphorisms in ‘Aphorisms for the Wisdom of Life’ reflect his philosophical outlook, deeply influenced by metaphysical pessimism. He argues that the world is fundamentally a place of pain and frustration but suggests that through understanding our own desires and limitations, we can find a path to resignation and contentment. This work is considered a practical and accessible exploration of his broader philosophical ideas, aimed not only at scholars but also at the general public interested in existential and ethical issues.
Over de auteur
Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 — 1860) was a renowned 19th-century German philosopher. His work, ‘The Wisdom of Life, ‘ presents a dissertation on points that the philosopher considers relevant for simply living life in the ‘happiest’ way possible. The book is filled with quotations to illustrate the reasoning presented. These include frequent references to Schopenhauer’s own magnum opus, ‘The World as Will and Representation, ‘ as well as quotes from Aristotle, Seneca, Shakespeare, Voltaire, Goethe, and many others, along with various popular Spanish and French sayings. ‘The Wisdom of Life’ is a unique philosophical work, as it presents profound content that can be easily understood by the reader.