The Dark Philosophy of Arthur Schopenhauer

Arthur Schopenhauer, born in 1788, was a German philosopher known for his pessimistic views. He integrated Eastern thought into Western philosophy, influenced by his wealthy merchant father and author mother. Despite a troubled relationship with his parents and a melancholic disposition, Schopenhauer pursued extensive studies in various fields, showing remarkable progress. His doctorate thesis, 'On the Fourfold Root of the Principle of Sufficient Reason,' laid the groundwork for his philosophy focusing on the 'world of representation.' Disillusioned with academic philosophy, he valued lived experience and clear, metaphor-rich writing. His exposure to Hinduism and Buddhism deeply influenced his work, culminating in 'The World as Will and Representation,' which he considered his life's masterpiece.

Schopenhauer's work initially received little attention, a neglect that persisted into his old age and contributed to his pessimism. His contemporary, Hegel, enjoyed great popularity, but Schopenhauer viewed him as a charlatan. Schopenhauer's attempt to teach at the University of Berlin was unsuccessful due to poor attendance. His later work, 'Parerga and Paralipomena,' gained some popularity thanks to his disciples' praise. Despite his growing fame, Schopenhauer preferred solitude, leading a routine life with his poodles named Ātman. His death in 1860 was sudden but peaceful. Schopenhauer's philosophy centered on the 'Will,' the essence of existence, and he was influenced by Kant's idealism, proposing that our perception of reality is a mental construct.

Schopenhauer's philosophy posits the 'Will' as the underlying force of existence, an irrational, unconscious, and blind desire driving all life. He contrasts this with the world of representation, shaped by our minds. The Will is not limited to humans; it extends to all entities, including animals and inanimate objects. Schopenhauer's Will is the source of strife and misery, as it leads to insatiable desires and conflicts. He also explores the unconscious motivations behind human actions, predating Freud's psychoanalysis. The Will manifests as a struggle for survival and reproduction, with procreation being its highest form, ensuring the species' continuity despite individual suffering.

Schopenhauer viewed life as inherently filled with suffering, as desires are infinite while fulfillment is limited. He described pleasure as a mere cessation of pain and life as a pendulum swing between suffering and boredom. Schopenhauer's perspective on life and death is that they are two sides of the same coin, with death being akin to sleep for the individual. He observed the strife in nature and applied it to human existence, noting that life's tragedies are often overlooked because they are too painful to contemplate. Schopenhauer's philosophy suggests that the pursuit of happiness is futile, as it is always fleeting and followed by new desires and suffering.

Schopenhauer's contemplation on life and death presents a complex view of human existence. He saw life as a sudden, temporary occurrence amidst eons of non-existence, and death as a return to that state. He considered suicide with compassion, viewing it not as a crime but as an act of despair. However, he did not endorse it, instead advocating for the denial of the will through asceticism, which he saw as a higher form of self-destruction. Schopenhauer's reflections on life are a blend of deep pessimism and a search for tranquility, suggesting that wisdom and philosophy can provide a path to understanding and peace.

Schopenhauer believed that aesthetics and ethics could provide relief from the suffering caused by the will. He saw art as a means to momentarily free individuals from their desires, allowing them to perceive the eternal and universal. Music, in particular, was a direct representation of the will itself, offering a profound connection to the essence of existence. Schopenhauer's ethics stem from the recognition of shared suffering and the interconnectedness of all beings. He advocated for compassion and empathy, treating others with kindness to alleviate the universal suffering. This ethical stance is rooted in the understanding that all individuals are manifestations of the same will, and harming others is ultimately self-harm.

In Schopenhauer's view, music holds a unique place in the realm of arts, as it is not merely a representation of the Ideas but a direct expression of the will itself. This gives music a profound impact on the human psyche, capable of evoking deep emotions and providing a sense of connection to the underlying force of existence. Schopenhauer's aesthetics highlight the importance of experiencing art in a will-less state, allowing for a transcendence of individual desires and a glimpse into the universal essence. Music, in this context, serves as a powerful medium for achieving this state of elevation and serenity.