Arthur Schopenhauer

Mensch kann tun was er will; er kann aber nicht wollen was er will. (One can choose what to do, but not…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

Astrology furnishes a splendid proof of the contemptible subjectivity of men. It refers the course of celestial bodies to the miserable ego:…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

The general history of art and literature shows that the highest achievements of the human mind are, as a rule, not favourably…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

“Now this was possible only by a man determining himself entirely *rationally* according to concepts, not according to changing impressions and moods.…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

It is most important to allow the brain the full measure of sleep which is required to restore it; for sleep is…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

A man of genius can hardly be sociable, for what dialogues could indeed be so intelligent and entertaining as his own monologues?

— Arthur Schopenhauer

“The object of the intellect is to light and lead the will on its path, and therefore, the greater the force, impetus…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

I have described religion as the metaphysics of the people.

— Arthur Schopenhauer

You must treat a work of art like a great man: stand before it and wait patiently till it deigns to speak.

— Arthur Schopenhauer

As the biggest library if it is in disorder is not as useful as a small but well-arranged one, so you may…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

Ist es an und fu? r sich absurd, das Nichtsein fu? r einUbel zu ? halten; da jedes Ubel wie jedes Gut…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

Any book, which is at all important, should be reread immediately

— Arthur Schopenhauer

Sleep is the interest we have to pay on the capital which is called in at death; and the higher the rate…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

“Buying books would be a good thing if one could also buy the time to read them; but as a rule the…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

We forfeit three-quarters of ourselves in order to be like other people.

— Arthur Schopenhauer

Genius and madness have something in common: both live in a world that is different from that which exists for everyone else.

— Arthur Schopenhauer

The scenes of our life are like pictures done in rough mosaic. Looked at close, they produce no effect. There is nothing…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

Compassion for animals is intimately associated with goodness of character, and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

Will without intellect is the most vulgar and common thing in the world, possessed by every blockhead, who, in the gratification of…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

I have not yet spoken my last word about women. I believe that if a woman succeeds in withdrawing from the mass,…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

Will minus intellect constitutes vulgarity.

— Arthur Schopenhauer

Most men are so thoroughly subjective that nothing really interests them but themselves.

— Arthur Schopenhauer

“The Jews are the scum of the earth, but they are also great masters in lying.”

— Arthur Schopenhauer

“Far-sighted, rational deliberation usually comes out in favour of one decision, while immediate inclination comes out for the other. As long as…

— Arthur Schopenhauer

As the biggest library if it is in disorder is not as useful as a small but well-arranged one, so you may…

— Arthur Schopenhauer