Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes

Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher known for his influential work on metaphysics, aesthetics, and ethics. His philosophy, often characterized as pessimistic, explores the nature of human existence, the pursuit of happiness, and the power of will. Schopenhauer's ideas have had a profound impact on various fields, including philosophy, psychology, and literature, influencing thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud.

To find out your real opinion of someone, judge the impression you have when you first see a letter from them.

After your death you will be what you were before ... -Arthur Schopenhauer

After your death you will be what you were before your birth.

Suffering by nature or chance never seems so painful as suffering inflicted on us by the arbitrary will of another.

In the sphere of thought, absurdity and perversity remain the masters of the world, and their dominion is suspended only for brief periods.

The doctor sees all the weakness of mankind; the lawyer all the wickedness, the theologian all the stupidity.

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius h... -Arthur Schopenhauer

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.

Friends and acquaintances are the surest passport ... -Arthur Schopenhauer

Friends and acquaintances are the surest passport to fortune.

Music is the melody whose text is the world.

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Music is described as a universal language that conveys the essence and stories of the world. It encapsulates the diverse experiences and emotions of humanity.

A man can be himself only so long as he is alone, and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom, for it is only when he is alone that he is really free.

We forfeit three-quarters of ourselves in order to... -Arthur Schopenhauer

We forfeit three-quarters of ourselves in order to be like other people.

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This quote points out the tendency of individuals to conform to societal expectations or conformist behaviors. It suggests that the desire to fit in or be accepted often leads people to sacrifice their authentic selves, compromising a significant part of their identity.

There is no absurdity so palpable but that it may be firmly planted in the human head if you only begin to inculcate it before the age of five, by constantly repeating it with an air of great solemnity.

Opinion is like a pendulum and obeys the same law. If it goes past the centre of gravity on one side, it must go a like distance on the other; and it is only after a certain time that it finds the true point at which it can remain at rest.

Martyrdom is the only way a man can become famous ... -Arthur Schopenhauer

Martyrdom is the only way a man can become famous without ability.

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The quote presents martyrdom as a means for individuals to attain fame in the absence of notable abilities or talents, suggesting a sarcastic or critical view of such fame.

The word of man is the most durable of all materia... -Arthur Schopenhauer

The word of man is the most durable of all material.

It is a clear gain to sacrifice pleasure in order ... -Arthur Schopenhauer

It is a clear gain to sacrifice pleasure in order to avoid pain.

The alchemists in their search for gold discovered... -Arthur Schopenhauer

The alchemists in their search for gold discovered many other things of greater value.

Great men are like eagles, and build their nest on... -Arthur Schopenhauer

Great men are like eagles, and build their nest on some lofty solitude.

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This quote compares great men to eagles, emphasizing their ability to rise above and establish themselves in isolated and elevated positions or environments.

Sleep is the interest we have to pay on the capital which is called in at death; and the higher the rate of interest and the more regularly it is paid, the further the date of redemption is postponed.