Arthur Schopenhauer quotes

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) was a renowned German philosopher whose work continues to shape philosophical thought today. Known for his pessimistic worldview, he believed that life was filled with suffering and that desires ultimately lead to unhappiness. Schopenhauer's most famous work, "The World as Will and Representation," explored the concept of the will as the underlying force of existence. He heavily influenced other notable philosophers, such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud. Despite his pessimism, Schopenhauer believed in the power of art, claiming it offered a temporary escape from the struggles of life. His contributions to philosophy, particularly his insights into human nature and the nature of reality, remain significant and continue to provoke thought and debate in the field.

When we read, another person thinks for us: we merely repeat his mental process. In learning to write, the pupil goes over with his pen what the teacher has outlined in pencil: so in reading; the greater part of the work of thought is already done for us. This is why it relieves us to take up a book after being occupied with our own thoughts. And in reading, the mind is, in fact, only the playground of another’s thoughts. So it comes about that if anyone spends almost the whole day in reading, and by way of relaxation devotes the intervals to some thoughtless pastime, he gradually loses the capacity for thinking; just as the man who always rides, at last forgets how to walk. This is the case with many learned persons: they have read themselves stupid.

- Arthur Schopenhauer