The Butcher’s Finger
I recently read On the Sufferings of the World, a philosophically pessimistic essay by Arthur Schopenhauer — the great German pessimist whose influence stretched all the way to Friedrich Nietzsche. Continue Reading
Capitalism and the Bottomless Pit of Satisfaction: Exploring Consumer Culture through Schopenhauer’s Lens
If I were to employ a Schopenhauerian critique on consumer culture it would be how capitalism exploits the striving will inherent in the human condition. “All striving comes from lack, Continue Reading
Who was Arthur Schopenhauer?
Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher who lived in the 19th century and is known for his philosophical system that emphasizes the futility of human existence and the pessimistic nature Continue Reading
What is pessimism?
Pessimism, as a philosophical concept, refers to a worldview that emphasizes the negative aspects of human existence and the world at large. It is characterized by a belief that life Continue Reading
Schopenhauer and the striving
For Schopenhauer the will is the thing in itself, all revealed and bare to anybody who looks at the phenomena of every day matter. The will is inherent in Continue Reading
Premeditatio malorum – ‘premeditation of adversity’
We just don’t know for certain what is around the corner as we go about living our lives. When times are rosy, we naturally let our guard down in Continue Reading
A stab in Schopenhauerian pessimism – enjoy youth while you can…
“In early youth, as we contemplate our coming life, we are like children in a theatre before the curtain is raised, sitting there in high spirits and eagerly waiting Continue Reading
Life Isn’t Fair…
Life isn’t fair, it’s never been fair and it’s not meant to be fair. So why do we expect to be treated fairly in life? This is one of the Continue Reading
Life will get the bastards anyway – A modern Stoic concept
THE DEFINITION OF ‘LIFE WILL GET THE BASTARDS ANYWAY’ Let’s introduce the concept of ‘life will get the bastards anyway’ defined here by this simple statement: “Life will cause your Continue Reading