The concept of the will (which I translate as “life force” or “primal energy”) plays the key role in the philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860). He argued that a blind, irrational, overwhelming force drives all creatures to reproduce, sustain their own lives, and improves their situation.
According to Schopenhauer, the will is exerting relentless pressure on humans, prompting them to pursue objectives that are often impossible to achieve. The inevitable result is failure, setbacks and disappointments.
Schopenhauer objected to the optimistic ideals of thinkers such as Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831). He objected to the theory that history is driven to the realization of a particular goal, let alone, to the realization of a perfect society.
Idealism versus Schopenhauer’s views on the nature of existence
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) and Friedrich Hegel are called “idealists” because they built speculative philosophies. Instead of looking at reality and checking the facts, they constructed a chain of logical arguments unconnected to everyday life.
Schopenhauer did the opposite. His views on the nature of existence are based on his experience and observations. In his eyes, life is a constant struggle. Individuals pursue endless goals without ever achieving them all. They live in a constant state of dissatisfaction.
In his doctoral thesis published in 1814 (“Over the fourfold root of the principle of sufficient reason”), Schopenhauer had postulated that there is always a reason or cause for everything that happens.
In 1818, he wrote his work “The world as will and representation,” refining the principle of sufficient reason. The will is the underlying force that drives all life, he theorised. It can ruin your life if you fail to pay attention and counteract its negative effects.
If you allow the will (“life force”) to control your life, very bad things can happen. You will make short-term choices at the expense of your long-term happiness. You’ll invest energy and time in the pursuit of goals that are not really valuable.
Happiness and Schopenhauer’s views on the nature of existence
For those reasons, Schopenhauer advised his readers to take a philosophical view of their own lives. Take time to think and don’t rush important decisions; determine your long-term goals and do not allow circumstances to bring you off track.
Schopenhauer also recommended artistic contemplation as a means to take a break from life’s daily stress. Art provides us a temporary escape from the pressures of existence.
Aesthetic experiences have the power to make us forget our pressing problems for a while, and view them from a different perspective. Schopenhauer was particularly fond of music, but also painting, architecture and literature can offer us solace and relaxation.
Schopenhauer considered stress as unavoidable because our desires tend to expand endlessly. They drive us into a cycle of pursuit, fulfilment and new goals, knowing that many of those will remain unattainable.
For example, if you engage in the pursuit of material wealth or fame, every success will only give your a temporary respite. It will not take long before new desires emerge, prompting you to return to the cycle of pursuit, fulfilment and new goals.
Exactly the same principle applies to the field of personal relationships. In romance, the relentless striving prompted by the will can lead individuals to make foolish choices and create unnecessary problems for themselves and other people.
Self-reliance in Schopenhauer’s views on the nature of existence
In addition to identifying the issues, Schopenhauer provided solid advice to minimize suffering and enhance happiness. His work “Parerga and Paralipomena” (1851) offers us remarkable insights on the art of living.
On the one side, Schopenhauer pointed to the strategies that had been proposed by Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. I am referring to self-discipline, ascetism, and the elemination of harmful desires.
On the other hand, Schopenhauer argued that happiness can be protected by reducing risks, maintaining a proper margin of safety, diversifying your material and intellectual interests, and steering away from dependencies.
Self-reliance enhances happiness, argued Schopenhauer, not only in material terms, but also psychologically. It renders us emotionally stronger and enables us to make better choices.
Wisdom and Schopenhauer’s views on the nature of existence
Schopenhauer adopted a self-reliant lifestyle and paid little attention to societal conventions. He preferred to his energies, time and resources in ways that made him wiser and happier.
I am convinced that he would have become a best-selling author if he had spent more time promoting his books, but he had better things to do. Happiness comes first and doesn’t need to be expensive.
Schopenhauer’s works teach us how to put the odds in our favour. Instead of frustration and lamentations, one should pick up his goals wisely and work steadily towards them; learn how to minimize risks and worthless expenditures, so that you can make the best of every day.
If you are interested in applying rational ideas to improving your life here and now, I recommend you my book titled “Asymmetry: The shortcut to success when success seems impossible.”
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