Arthur Schopenhauer, the 19th-century philosopher, is infamous for his pessimistic view of life. His philosophy portrays existence as a cosmic disaster, a futile struggle against an indifferent universe. Life, according to Schopenhauer, is not inherently joyful, but rather a relentless series of struggles where pain outweighs pleasure. He likens human existence to a prison sentence, suggesting that we are all condemned to experience misery in one form or another.
The Role of the Will in Human Suffering
Arthur Schopenhauer’s concept of the “will-to-live” is not just a philosophical idea; it is the central force that drives every aspect of human existence. He saw the will as a primal, blind energy that compels us to act, often against our own best interests. It is not a conscious choice, but an insistent force that pushes us forward, seeking satisfaction in a world that offers little relief. According to Schopenhauer, this will operates independently of reason or intellect. It is an insatiable hunger for life itself, and its relentless demands are the source of much human suffering.
The will manifests in countless forms. It drives our basic needs like hunger, thirst, and sex, but it also fuels our desires for power, success, and pleasure. These desires are not always aligned with our true happiness, yet the will compels us to pursue them with vigor. We may chase after wealth, fame, or the approval of others, believing that these external achievements will bring us fulfillment. But for Schopenhauer, this is a futile pursuit. No matter how much we attain, the will’s demands are unrelenting. Once one desire is satisfied, another springs up in its place, keeping us trapped in a cycle of endless striving.
What is perhaps most tragic about Schopenhauer’s view is that most people are unaware of this cycle. They live their lives as if they have free will, not realizing that they are, in fact, controlled by the very thing they believe they can control: their desires. This lack of awareness means that people are continually chasing after things that bring only temporary relief, never realizing that the true source of their dissatisfaction is the very will that drives them. Schopenhauer’s philosophy urges us to break free from this cycle by recognizing the power of the will and understanding that true contentment comes not from satisfying our desires, but from transcending them.
The Futility of Pursuing Material Wealth
Schopenhauer had a particularly harsh critique of materialism, which he believed was one of the greatest sources of human dissatisfaction. In a society that emphasizes the importance of wealth, status, and possessions, Schopenhauer saw the pursuit of these things as not only misguided but inherently damaging. He recognized that many people equate material wealth with happiness, but he rejected this notion entirely. To Schopenhauer, the pursuit of material wealth was a distraction from the true purpose of life and a path that only led to greater suffering.
At the core of his argument is the idea that happiness cannot be purchased. Material goods, wealth, and the comforts that come with them may provide momentary pleasure, but they do not provide lasting satisfaction. Schopenhauer saw the accumulation of wealth as a way to temporarily relieve the pain of desire, but this relief is fleeting. The more we acquire, the more we feel the need to acquire. It is a vicious cycle that keeps us chasing the next acquisition, never truly finding peace. As soon as we fulfill one desire, another arises to take its place, creating a perpetual state of dissatisfaction.
Moreover, Schopenhauer believed that the pursuit of wealth could distort a person’s priorities and values. When wealth becomes the primary goal, it can overshadow other, more meaningful aspects of life. People begin to measure their worth by what they have, rather than who they are. This obsession with material wealth can also lead to a form of spiritual poverty, where the pursuit of possessions becomes an all-consuming endeavor, leaving little room for personal growth, introspection, or the development of meaningful relationships. Schopenhauer’s critique of materialism is ultimately a call to reconsider what we truly value in life and to seek fulfillment not in the accumulation of wealth, but in the cultivation of our inner selves.
The Absurdity of Seeking Social Approval
Schopenhauer’s critique of the human obsession with social approval is another cornerstone of his philosophy. He believed that society’s emphasis on reputation, honor, and public esteem was a profound source of misery for individuals. Most people, according to Schopenhauer, live their lives in constant pursuit of approval from others. This desire for social validation shapes many of our decisions, from the way we dress to the careers we choose to the relationships we form. Yet, Schopenhauer sees this quest for approval as utterly misguided.
One of the core arguments Schopenhauer makes is that other people’s opinions are ultimately irrelevant to our true happiness. While it is natural for humans to seek social validation, this desire creates a dependence on external factors that we cannot control. People’s opinions are unpredictable and often inconsistent, which means that basing one’s self-worth on them is a risky endeavor. Moreover, the constant need for validation leaves individuals vulnerable to disappointment and anxiety. As Schopenhauer observes, when we seek approval from others, we give up our own autonomy and place our happiness in the hands of others—who may not even care about us as individuals.
This pursuit of reputation often leads to a hollow existence. People may go to great lengths to be admired or respected by others, but this admiration is frequently shallow and fleeting. Schopenhauer critiques the way people often sacrifice their integrity, time, and personal happiness in order to maintain a favorable public image. They may work tirelessly to climb the social ladder, only to realize that once they reach the top, the view is no better than it was from the bottom. The pursuit of honor and public esteem, Schopenhauer argues, can rob individuals of their peace of mind, leaving them constantly chasing an illusion.
Furthermore, Schopenhauer points out that this obsession with reputation can often be self-destructive. People can become so consumed with the approval of others that they lose sight of their own values and desires. This can lead to a profound sense of dissatisfaction, as individuals find themselves living lives that are dictated not by their own inner principles, but by the expectations of others. Schopenhauer urges individuals to break free from the need for social validation and instead focus on what truly matters: cultivating an authentic, self-directed life that is not bound by the judgments of others.
The Key to a Less Miserable Life: “What Someone Is”
Arthur Schopenhauer’s perspective on human happiness challenges the traditional view that wealth, status, and approval are the key to a fulfilling life. Instead, Schopenhauer proposes that the most significant determinant of a person’s well-being is not external factors but “what someone is”—that is, the inner qualities that define a person’s character and individuality. This emphasis on internal development forms the core of Schopenhauer’s philosophy. He suggests that to find a less miserable existence, we must focus on cultivating our inner lives rather than chasing after external markers of success.
Schopenhauer’s argument is built around the idea that the true essence of a person—what makes them unique—is far more important than what they possess or how others view them. The way a person perceives the world, how they react to life’s challenges, and their ability to develop wisdom and resilience are far more reliable sources of happiness than wealth or social approval. This internal foundation of being—our mind, emotions, and capacity for self-awareness—is the lens through which we experience life, and it ultimately determines the quality of our existence.
This focus on personal development calls for introspection and self-understanding. Schopenhauer suggests that individuals should work towards self-reliance, shaping their character and worldview in a way that leads to inner peace. This does not mean rejecting the external world or renouncing material comforts altogether, but rather recognizing that true fulfillment is found within. Happiness becomes a byproduct of aligning one’s life with their authentic self, rather than endlessly chasing after desires that are rooted in societal expectations or fleeting pleasures. By focusing on “what someone is,” we create a stable foundation that shields us from the turbulence of external circumstances.
The Pursuit of Higher Pleasures
In Schopenhauer’s view, the pursuit of higher pleasures—those that nourish the mind and spirit—offers the most meaningful route to a less miserable life. He distinguishes between “higher” pleasures, such as intellectual pursuits, art, and contemplation, and “lower” pleasures, such as material consumption and sensory indulgence. While the latter may provide temporary relief from suffering, they rarely lead to lasting contentment. Higher pleasures, on the other hand, are sources of more profound joy and fulfillment, offering long-term satisfaction that transcends the fleeting nature of material wealth.
Schopenhauer believed that engaging in intellectual and cultural activities—such as reading, studying philosophy, creating art, or experiencing music—offers a deeper form of satisfaction that cannot be achieved through consumerism. These pleasures do not depend on external circumstances or possessions; instead, they are derived from the cultivation of one’s mind and spirit. Higher pleasures, unlike their material counterparts, can be experienced endlessly and do not carry the risk of diminishing returns. Schopenhauer suggests that these activities allow individuals to transcend the limitations of everyday life and find solace in something more enduring.
By focusing on higher pleasures, individuals can free themselves from the constant cycle of desire and consumption that keeps them trapped in misery. Schopenhauer’s philosophy encourages people to find joy in the simple yet profound act of contemplation, learning, and creative expression. These pursuits bring meaning and purpose to life, providing a sense of fulfillment that material possessions or social approval can never offer. In this way, Schopenhauer’s philosophy advocates for a lifestyle that prioritizes personal growth and the enrichment of the mind over the acquisition of wealth or status.
Moreover, Schopenhauer suggests that higher pleasures are far more accessible than most people think. They do not require vast amounts of money, fame, or power. Instead, they can be found in the quiet moments of reflection, the enjoyment of literature, the appreciation of art, or the practice of self-improvement. These pursuits are available to anyone who is willing to invest time and energy into them, making them a reliable source of happiness that is not dependent on external circumstances.
The Role of Cheerfulness in Overcoming Misery
Schopenhauer’s emphasis on cheerfulness represents one of his more optimistic ideas amidst his generally pessimistic worldview. While much of his philosophy revolves around the inherent suffering of life, he does not dismiss the possibility of joy entirely. Instead, he identifies cheerfulness as a key antidote to misery, suggesting that it is the most reliable and sustainable form of happiness available to humans. However, Schopenhauer’s concept of cheerfulness is not one of exuberant, superficial joy, but rather a deep, contented state that arises from accepting life as it is, without the need for external validation or material possessions.
Cheerfulness, for Schopenhauer, is not a reaction to positive events or good fortune, but rather a state of mind that exists in the absence of pain. It is a calm and stable form of happiness that emerges when we are able to find peace with our circumstances, regardless of how challenging they may be. Schopenhauer believes that a life of minimal pain, rather than one of maximal pleasure, is the key to enduring happiness. By reducing the emotional turbulence caused by desire and expectation, individuals can cultivate a sense of cheerfulness that is not dependent on external conditions.
This form of cheerfulness is tied to Schopenhauer’s broader philosophical ideas about accepting the reality of suffering. It is not about denying or avoiding pain but rather finding ways to coexist with it. By focusing less on what we lack or what we want and more on what we have and what we can appreciate, we shift our perspective. Schopenhauer argues that cheerfulness can arise from this shift in focus, as it is not contingent on achieving a particular goal or possessing a specific item. Instead, it comes from an inner peace that allows individuals to navigate life’s ups and downs with equanimity.
Schopenhauer’s philosophy encourages us to embrace a more minimalist approach to life—one that does not revolve around the endless accumulation of wealth, fame, or social approval. Instead, by cultivating cheerfulness and focusing on what we truly need for a fulfilling life, we can escape the cycle of dissatisfaction and find contentment. Schopenhauer sees cheerfulness as a form of spiritual resilience, an attitude that enables us to face life’s inevitable difficulties with a sense of grace and acceptance.