Arthur Schopenhauer

1788 – 1860

German philosopher known for his pessimistic worldview, who argued that the world is driven by an aimless will, and that art, compassion, and asceticism offer escape from suffering.

Key works: The World as Will and Representation · On the Basis of Morality · Parerga and Paralipomena

Top quotes by Arthur Schopenhauer

“The first forty years of life give us the text; the next thirty supply the commentary on it.”
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“Great men are like eagles, and build their nest on some lofty solitude.”
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“The two enemies of human happiness are pain and boredom.”
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“Melancholy attracts, while bad humor repels.”
Studies in Pessimism V.5, trans. T. Bailey Saunders
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“To live alone is the fate of all great souls.”
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“Intellect is invisible to the man who has none.”
Counsels and Maxims III.23, trans. T. Bailey Saunders
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“A man can always sit down and read, but not—think.”
The Art of Literature V.16, trans. T. Bailey Saunders
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“Although men's powers differ, their rights are alike.”
On Human Nature II.4, trans. T. Bailey Saunders
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“Every nation mocks at other nations, and all are right.”
The Wisdom of Life IV.2, trans. T. Bailey Saunders
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“Authors should use common words to say uncommon things.”
The Art of Literature II.21, trans. T. Bailey Saunders
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