On the Suffering of the World

Arthur Schopenhauer

1850

January, 2024

7/10

Schopenhauer has a way of dismissing the very idea of happiness as being unobtainable. But the way he writes is that of a man with conviction — determined to pour his heart out with his beliefs. While I disagree with many of his ideas, his ideas are still very good and offer excellent thought.

He has a good grasp on humanity and human nature, writing on topics such as the importance of accepting other people's flaws because the world is flawed, the importance of loving one another in this cruel world, and how intelligent or caring people might self-isolate — describing them as finding themselves thrown about amidst common prisoners.

Similarly, I enjoyed his thoughts on death and consciousness. He claims that death and rebirth are essential to the development of "I." He claims, in essence, that who we are is only so flexible. While an interesting idea, I simply can't agree that there is a limit to our ability to grow as who we are.

His ideas on individuality were also very good. Schopenhauer is certainly an excellent writer; though he can take quite some time to reach a point, he knows how to drive those points home. In the vein of The Consolation of Philosophy, his "discussion" on being an individual as well as the void of "pre-life" & death are hard to argue with.

The value of this book comes from the clear and expressive writing. I've read plenty of books that “don't go anywhere." Here, however, Schopenhauer doesn't need to go anywhere with his writing. He has thoughts and ideas. He explains those thoughts and ideas logically, rationally, and effectively. It isn't a matter of agreeing with his philosophy — it's a matter of engaging with it.