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Counsels and Maxims
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.
116 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1851
About the author
Arthur Schopenhauer
1,454 books5,195 followersArthur Schopenhauer was born in the city of Danzig (then part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth; present day Gdańsk, Poland) and was a German philosopher best known for his work The World as Will and Representation. Schopenhauer attempted to make his career as an academic by correcting and expanding Immanuel Kant's philosophy concerning the way in which we experience the world.
He was the son of author Johanna Schopenhauer and the older brother of Adele Schopenhauer.
He was the son of author Johanna Schopenhauer and the older brother of Adele Schopenhauer.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 9, 2014
I picked this up (free from Project Gutenberg) because it was mentioned as a reference related to Stoicism by William Irvine, the author of "A Guide to the Good Life." It certainly is that, but as much as I like some of the classical Stoic authors, I couldn't get behind Schopenhauer.
It's funny because of his message is in many ways so similar to that espoused by the classical authors: the key to happiness is the achievement of tranquility, and many of the things held in high esteem by society (riches, fame) are not of real value. However, AS just puts such a gloomy and negative spin on this view that it is hard for me to imagine reading this book and feeling inspired. AS's main approach seems to be to achieve tranquility by not aspiring to much, and by avoiding things that could cause pain. The perspective of Epictetus and others seems much more correct to me: achieve tranquility through the cultivation and exercise of your reason, training yourself to value those things that have true value, to reflect on your own actions and reactions, and to focus your efforts and aspirations on those things over which you have some control.
I think the paragraph I wrote above points up an important difference between AS and the classical Stoics. The classical Stoic philosophy is heavily focused on personal growth--there is an ideal of a Stoic sage that we all fall short of, but can continually work toward through effort and discipline. For AS, though, change and growth seem to be absent. He seems to take us as we are--disappointing, in many ways--and simply seeks to deal with that. Epictetus prescribes a cure; AS prescribes a palliative. Not unrelated, I think, is AS's very offputting elitism and misanthropy. He states plainly that he thinks that most people are idiots and not worth the time or attention of "higher sorts of people." This is a fundamental tenet of his approach that I just can't agree on.
I noticed belatedly that this is actually the second (short) volume of a two-part work, with "The Wisdom of Life" being the former. I had also downloaded that volume onto my Kindle, but just arbitrarily chose to read this one first. Now I have to decide whether it's worth reading the other. I'm leaning toward no, but will keep it on my Kindle for the time being.
It's funny because of his message is in many ways so similar to that espoused by the classical authors: the key to happiness is the achievement of tranquility, and many of the things held in high esteem by society (riches, fame) are not of real value. However, AS just puts such a gloomy and negative spin on this view that it is hard for me to imagine reading this book and feeling inspired. AS's main approach seems to be to achieve tranquility by not aspiring to much, and by avoiding things that could cause pain. The perspective of Epictetus and others seems much more correct to me: achieve tranquility through the cultivation and exercise of your reason, training yourself to value those things that have true value, to reflect on your own actions and reactions, and to focus your efforts and aspirations on those things over which you have some control.
I think the paragraph I wrote above points up an important difference between AS and the classical Stoics. The classical Stoic philosophy is heavily focused on personal growth--there is an ideal of a Stoic sage that we all fall short of, but can continually work toward through effort and discipline. For AS, though, change and growth seem to be absent. He seems to take us as we are--disappointing, in many ways--and simply seeks to deal with that. Epictetus prescribes a cure; AS prescribes a palliative. Not unrelated, I think, is AS's very offputting elitism and misanthropy. He states plainly that he thinks that most people are idiots and not worth the time or attention of "higher sorts of people." This is a fundamental tenet of his approach that I just can't agree on.
I noticed belatedly that this is actually the second (short) volume of a two-part work, with "The Wisdom of Life" being the former. I had also downloaded that volume onto my Kindle, but just arbitrarily chose to read this one first. Now I have to decide whether it's worth reading the other. I'm leaning toward no, but will keep it on my Kindle for the time being.
October 28, 2020
Wax, a substance naturally hard and brittle, can be made soft by the application of a little warmth, so that it will take any shape you please. In the same way, by being polite and friendly, you can make people pliable and obliging, even though they are apt to be crabbed and malevolent. Hence politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax.
February 29, 2024
Лепше ми је село од Марка Аурелија Медитације, фул препорука.
“Завист људи показује колико се осећају несрећни; а њихова непрекидна пажња коју обраћају на туђ рад показује колико им је дуго време”.
“Завист људи показује колико се осећају несрећни; а њихова непрекидна пажња коју обраћају на туђ рад показује колико им је дуго време”.
February 7, 2017
Iskreno, neumesno mi je da komentarišem knjigu koja je pisana za muškarce! Malo da se našalim pa da se zapitam mogu li je shvatiti i jesam li dostojna ovih misli?
Sudeći po Šopenhaueru - donekle, ipak kaže on tu negde da dete od oca nasleđuje srčanost a od majke pamet, a sudeći po momku koji mi je poklonio ovu knjigu leta 2014-e kad smo zajedno rovarili po starim knjigama u ulici 1300 kaplara bila je prava stvar za mene. I eto, momak, ja je pročitah sad a da sam onda, bi li mi nešto značila? Ne verujem ali sad znači, našla sam ovde nešto što mi je trebalo baš sad da pročitam, bez obzira koliko se ne slagala sa ostalim. Hvala ti na tome neimenovani!
Sudeći po Šopenhaueru - donekle, ipak kaže on tu negde da dete od oca nasleđuje srčanost a od majke pamet, a sudeći po momku koji mi je poklonio ovu knjigu leta 2014-e kad smo zajedno rovarili po starim knjigama u ulici 1300 kaplara bila je prava stvar za mene. I eto, momak, ja je pročitah sad a da sam onda, bi li mi nešto značila? Ne verujem ali sad znači, našla sam ovde nešto što mi je trebalo baš sad da pročitam, bez obzira koliko se ne slagala sa ostalim. Hvala ti na tome neimenovani!
February 28, 2018
treba stalno imati pred očima dejstvo vremena i promenljivost stvar,te pri svemu što se sad događa, odmah zamisliti njegovu suprotnost.treba sebi živo predočiti u sreći nesreću,u prijateljstvu neprijateljstvo,u ljubavi mržnju,u poverljivosti izdajstvo. pametan je onaj koga ne vara prividna stabilnost, i koji još uz to,predviđa pravac koji će promena zauzeti. što ljudi,po pravilu smatraju privremeno stanje stvari kao stalno, to dolazi otuda što imaju pred očima dejstva ali ne razumeju uzroke, a baš ovi poslednji nose u sebi klicu budućh promena,dok dejstvo,koje za njih postoji jedino, ne sadrži ništa od onoga. oni se drže dejstava i pretpostavljaju da uzroci koji su im nepoznati, kada su mogli proizvesti ta dejstva, biće u stanju i da ih održe.
June 19, 2011
Short and highly enjoyable book. Schopenhauer's philosophy I call "philosophy of the hammer". He's funny, he's brutal, he's showing things the way they are... in this miserable world. Plenty of us would like to "disappear", but it's easier to say it than to do it. Schopenhauer is giving us counsels how to ease our "staying". So, it's not pessimistic all the way, because A. S. is actually giving us counsels, defensive ones, though, how to fight miseries in this irrational world. Schop's writings are clear-minded and distinct, so this book can be regared as literature, too.
February 12, 2012
More classic essays from Schopenhauer. In the public domain, with a free electronic copy here.
April 5, 2023
Chapter 1 - General Rules :
The happiest lot is not to have experienced the keenest delights of the greatest pleasures, but to taste brought life to a close without any very great pain, bodily or mental.
We should not require a great many things in order to be happy.
Our life is like a journey on which, as we advance, the landscape takes a different view from that which it presented at first, and changes again, as we come nearer.
Chapter 2 - Our relation to ourselves:
Limitations always make for happiness.
Present is the only real time.
Living in seclusion is great but only for someone with great intellect. We should have no expectations from others.
In case of any misfortune thinking about it only makes matters worse. We should try to avoid this.
We often try to banish the gloom and despondency of the present by speculating upon our chances of success in the future; which is a illusion and inevitable to be shattered.
Self-control - To submit yourself to reason is the way to make everything else submit to you.
Chapter 3- Our relation to others:
Being our true self. Even if we show a different self, our true nature will come out sooner or later.
Two persons may do the same thing with a different result. The outcome of this is originality. Not, better or lesser.
Politeness is a virtue we should follow. Even in a hot temper situation.
The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace.
Chapter 4- Worldly Fortune:
Chance and luck so play a role in our life. But, Life is like a game of dice, where is the number that turns up is not precisely the one you want, you can still contrive to use it equally.
We should be prepared for misfortune as it might happen to us anytime. So in the good time think of what it would be it would have been bad and in the bad think of what it would have been if it was good so to make yourself become more aware.
It is not ferocity but cunning that strikes free into the heart and forebodes danger; so true is that the human brain is a more terrible weapon than a lion's paw.
Chapter 5- The Ages of Life:
The chief result garbed by experience of Life is clearness of view
When we are young years pass by slowly and as we get old they pass by more and more quickly.
He is no more beset with the idea that there is any particular account of happiness anywhere, in the palace is in the courage, any more than he himself enjoys when he is free from bodily or mental pain.
The main goal of the writings of Arthur Schopenhauer is to tell us why we should be and act like a intellectual. Take decisions with a conscious mind. Tho his writings are harsh at times towards others, still with facts to.
The happiest lot is not to have experienced the keenest delights of the greatest pleasures, but to taste brought life to a close without any very great pain, bodily or mental.
We should not require a great many things in order to be happy.
Our life is like a journey on which, as we advance, the landscape takes a different view from that which it presented at first, and changes again, as we come nearer.
Chapter 2 - Our relation to ourselves:
Limitations always make for happiness.
Present is the only real time.
Living in seclusion is great but only for someone with great intellect. We should have no expectations from others.
In case of any misfortune thinking about it only makes matters worse. We should try to avoid this.
We often try to banish the gloom and despondency of the present by speculating upon our chances of success in the future; which is a illusion and inevitable to be shattered.
Self-control - To submit yourself to reason is the way to make everything else submit to you.
Chapter 3- Our relation to others:
Being our true self. Even if we show a different self, our true nature will come out sooner or later.
Two persons may do the same thing with a different result. The outcome of this is originality. Not, better or lesser.
Politeness is a virtue we should follow. Even in a hot temper situation.
The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace.
Chapter 4- Worldly Fortune:
Chance and luck so play a role in our life. But, Life is like a game of dice, where is the number that turns up is not precisely the one you want, you can still contrive to use it equally.
We should be prepared for misfortune as it might happen to us anytime. So in the good time think of what it would be it would have been bad and in the bad think of what it would have been if it was good so to make yourself become more aware.
It is not ferocity but cunning that strikes free into the heart and forebodes danger; so true is that the human brain is a more terrible weapon than a lion's paw.
Chapter 5- The Ages of Life:
The chief result garbed by experience of Life is clearness of view
When we are young years pass by slowly and as we get old they pass by more and more quickly.
He is no more beset with the idea that there is any particular account of happiness anywhere, in the palace is in the courage, any more than he himself enjoys when he is free from bodily or mental pain.
The main goal of the writings of Arthur Schopenhauer is to tell us why we should be and act like a intellectual. Take decisions with a conscious mind. Tho his writings are harsh at times towards others, still with facts to.
October 24, 2021
This is it, the pessimists' guide to living a life with less pain. As someone with neurotic tendencies, I found the experience of reading this to be intriguing but nevertheless, enjoyable.
In this book, however, there are some ideas that are questionable and seem a little elitist to my liking. There is the discussion of playing dumb to be liked, which is dishonest and ingenuine. There is also the notion of intelligent men favouring solitude versus dull men favouring the crowd; as much as I feel compelled to believe that particular notion—as it feeds my ego—I suspect that it cannot be as simple as that. That particular one comes up constantly throughout the first few chapters, so I assume it must have had a great impact in Schopenhauer's life.
Then, I especially love his perspectives on courage, prudence, being in the present moment (similar to Zen Buddhism), facing misfortunes (similar to Stoicism), the everchanging and fleeting life (similar to Taoism), and the section on the different passing of Time between the youth and the old.
Other than some questionable concepts, much of his words are painfully relatable, and overall, it was a wonderful experience to be able to see life and society through Schopenhauer's lens. All in all, I may not agree with all of his views, but the insight he provides is invaluable.
In this book, however, there are some ideas that are questionable and seem a little elitist to my liking. There is the discussion of playing dumb to be liked, which is dishonest and ingenuine. There is also the notion of intelligent men favouring solitude versus dull men favouring the crowd; as much as I feel compelled to believe that particular notion—as it feeds my ego—I suspect that it cannot be as simple as that. That particular one comes up constantly throughout the first few chapters, so I assume it must have had a great impact in Schopenhauer's life.
Then, I especially love his perspectives on courage, prudence, being in the present moment (similar to Zen Buddhism), facing misfortunes (similar to Stoicism), the everchanging and fleeting life (similar to Taoism), and the section on the different passing of Time between the youth and the old.
Other than some questionable concepts, much of his words are painfully relatable, and overall, it was a wonderful experience to be able to see life and society through Schopenhauer's lens. All in all, I may not agree with all of his views, but the insight he provides is invaluable.
March 6, 2023
An excellent read for all age groups ! Herein Schopenhauer shares with us his gems of wisdom and advice on how we can make our lives worth living by avoiding pain, and not by pursuing a thousand shadows of pleasures which in the end are sure to land us in disappointment and pain. The sane advice on various aspects of life are meant to be read and reflected upon slowly and not to be rushed through, and incorporated into one's own philosophy of living. Lucky will be the young and middle aged who come upon this little book and benefit from the discussion which will not only make their preset more livable but also help them to prepare for their golden years. As someone who is sailing through the last chapter of life, I found Schopenhauer in this volume as a great friend and torch bearer.
October 18, 2023
It's one of the better books I've read lately.
Schopenhauer strikes again with his "Old grandpa sharing you his wisdom TED talk approach." which is highly absorbable by the average book reader. With quotes from various philosophers, this book is much deeper for people with a background in philosophy.
What strikes me odd is that every time I read Schopenhauer, he manages to change my view on his philosophy.
While at first, I thought of him as an unhappy, old, grumpy guy, he turned out to be quite the opposite, his books tend to make you more satisfied with yourself.
While this could be used as a manual and a "self-help" book, I still think it's not cheap sophistry.
Schopenhauer managed to execute exactly what he wanted with this book.
Highly recommend it!
Schopenhauer strikes again with his "Old grandpa sharing you his wisdom TED talk approach." which is highly absorbable by the average book reader. With quotes from various philosophers, this book is much deeper for people with a background in philosophy.
What strikes me odd is that every time I read Schopenhauer, he manages to change my view on his philosophy.
While at first, I thought of him as an unhappy, old, grumpy guy, he turned out to be quite the opposite, his books tend to make you more satisfied with yourself.
While this could be used as a manual and a "self-help" book, I still think it's not cheap sophistry.
Schopenhauer managed to execute exactly what he wanted with this book.
Highly recommend it!
October 20, 2019
I was still student when I did read this book and his directness in criticism which was interpreted as pessimism but finally valued few years after his death proves the value of his ferocity in one's self conviction as a separate philosophy in which he was the sole master. I still have much to read from him in order to clarify his thinking and judgment.
October 4, 2019
Good Book but especially the early half
Typical Schopenhauer wisdom. I enjoyed it except last chapter which is on experience of old age. Perhaps I am not old so could not relate with what Schopenhauer says.
Typical Schopenhauer wisdom. I enjoyed it except last chapter which is on experience of old age. Perhaps I am not old so could not relate with what Schopenhauer says.
October 6, 2022
I admit, I have a bias on Schopenhauer and his practical pessimism. His writing style is so sharp that I don't care that aphorisms were Twitter before Twitter.
Also Alianza's edition is excellent as usual.
PD. Yes, I read this book during the lectures
Also Alianza's edition is excellent as usual.
PD. Yes, I read this book during the lectures
August 16, 2020
El amor en cada página.
November 29, 2020
Didn't finish, leave it at page 31. As I mentioned before, this book is quite hard for me to read, but the content is really inspiring.
December 26, 2020
Loved it.
Read
August 19, 2021Женщины дуры.
Гегель упырь.
Гения не вычислить.
Много читать вредно.
Скучно только глупым.
👌👌👍👍
Гегель упырь.
Гения не вычислить.
Много читать вредно.
Скучно только глупым.
👌👌👍👍
March 6, 2023
I regularly re-read this book on an annual basis.
April 10, 2023
See my review on The Wisdom of Life as I read this and Counsels and Maxim together.
Read
August 8, 2023great read
August 9, 2023
An old and grumpy Schopenhauer gives advice about life. The main idea: stop chasing pleasures that always end badly, while keep avoiding sufferings that in fact may succeed from time to time.
July 14, 2020
Reading this collection of essays by Schopenhauer has been very enlightening, as many of the topics covered are easily relevant during the global pandemic and growing American unrest these days. Much of this collection is about how to live one's life - intellectually, for the most part - as both an individual and a member of society, two positions that are almost always diametrically opposed. Schopenhauer's advice is geared towards a happiness derived from avoidance of pain rather than the pursuit of pleasure, and so much of it involves recommendations on how to avoid conflict - or indeed, interaction - through accepting the world and it's people for what they are, and then keep them at a manageable distance. It's deeper than that, of course, so take my thumbnail sketch for what it's worth.
As with any philosophical study, the trappings are there for those who want to avoid introspection and instead seek to twist all answers to fit their own unasked questions. However, those who reject the unexamined self will find plenty to think about.
One of my favorite quotes: "And on passing his fortieth year, any man of the slightest power of mind--any man, that is, who has more than the sorry share of intellect with which nature has endowed five-sixths of mankind--will hardly fail to show some trace of misanthropy."
As with any philosophical study, the trappings are there for those who want to avoid introspection and instead seek to twist all answers to fit their own unasked questions. However, those who reject the unexamined self will find plenty to think about.
One of my favorite quotes: "And on passing his fortieth year, any man of the slightest power of mind--any man, that is, who has more than the sorry share of intellect with which nature has endowed five-sixths of mankind--will hardly fail to show some trace of misanthropy."
October 13, 2016
On the one hand, it contains some good practical advice for thin skinned introverts. On the other hand it seemed long on angry disenchantment and short on kindness.
Despite his claim to be free of the metaphysical mumbo jumbo of his contemporaries it seemed to me to be predicated on the existence of a Will that manifests itself through Time.
Despite his claim to be free of the metaphysical mumbo jumbo of his contemporaries it seemed to me to be predicated on the existence of a Will that manifests itself through Time.
January 21, 2012
Schopenhauer, like Nietzsche, philosophizes with a hammer and this collection of hard-nosed essays is no exception. These essays in particular are written in the vein of the early Stoics, as prescriptive manuals for a purposeful existence. Required reading for the examined life.
March 25, 2016
An interesting point of view. I found myself agreeing with Schopenhauer more than I thought I would. I have yet to decide if that's a good thing, a bad thing, or neither.
April 20, 2013
Very good read
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews