The Essays Of Arthur Schopenhauer On Human Nature

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In this classic treatise, Arthur Schopenhauer discusses the traits and character of the human being, including his will, morality and manner of social governance. On Human Nature is an overview of several philosophic views which Schopenhauer held. Dealing sequentially with aspects of human behavior, society and man's innate characteristics, we receive here a comprehensive profile of Schopenhauer's beliefs about the essential character of mankind. Schopenhauer first examines the society man has built around himself, the forms of government he has present to rule and organize a society's endeavors, and how these reflect upon his inner character. This is followed by a discussion of the opposing beliefs of free will and fatalism. In the former, man contends that he has utter control over his destiny, and is not beholden to fate. By contrast, the latter belief holds that human will is ultimately an illusion, and that one's own destiny and fate is predetermined. Next, Schopenhauer examines a series of human character traits - the various virtues, behaviors, and qualities demonstrated by a typical man are scrutinized. This part is followed by a discussion of human morality; deeds and actions which are considered good and commendable, and those thought immoral and wrong. Finally, Schopenhauer reflects on the ethical ramifications of aspects in human nature. Whether humans are capable of being honorable on a large scale, or whether things such as innocence can be considered good or ill, is contemplated. On Human Nature is distinguished for its accessibility; the translation to English by T. Bailey Saunders preserves the lively expression for which Schopenhauer was known. As such, this book is superb introduction to Arthur Schopenhauer's work, and as a supplementary resource for study of philosophy.

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) was a German philosopher best known for his work The World as Will and Representation. He responded to and expanded upon Immanuel Kant's philosophy concerning the way in which we experience the world. His critique of Kant, his creative solutions to the problems of human experience and his explication of the limits of human knowledge are among his most important achievements. His metaphysical theory is the foundation of his influential writings on psychology, aesthetics, ethics, and politics which influenced Friedrich Nietzsche, Wagner, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Sigmund Freud and others. He said he was influenced by the Upanishads, Immanuel Kant, and Plato. References to Eastern philosophy and religion appear frequently in his writing. He appreciated the teachings of the Buddha and even called himself a Buddhaist. He said that his philosophy could not have been conceived before these teachings were available. He called himself a Kantian. He formulated a pessimistic philosophy that gained importance and support after the failure of the German and Austrian revolutions of 1848.

The following essays are drawn from the chapters entitled Zur Ethik and Zur Rechtslehre und Politik which are to be found both in Schopenhauer's Parerga and in his posthumous writings. As in my previous volumes, so also in this, I have omitted a few passages which appeared to me to be either antiquated or no longer of any general interest. For convenience' sake I have divided the original chapters into sections, which I have had to name; and I have also had to invent a title which should express their real scope. The reader will find that it is not so much Ethics and Politics that are here treated, as human nature itself in various aspects.

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