75 Quotes from the Genius of Pessimism Arthur Schopenhauer

Last updated on Mar 19th, 2024

75 Quotes from the Genius of Pessimism Arthur Schopenhauer

Arthur Schopenhauer (born February 22, 1788, Danzig [Gdańsk], Poland – died September 21, 1860, Frankfurt, Germany) was a German philosopher known for his work The World as Will and Representation (1818/19).

His other works include On the Will in Nature (1836), The Two Main Problems of Ethics (1841), and Parerga and Paralipomena (1851).

Key Takeaways

  • Because of his philosophy, Schopenhauer is often called the “philosopher of pessimism.”
  • Arthur Schopenhauer developed the metaphysical doctrine of the will as a reaction to Hegelian idealism.
  • One of Schopenhauer’s most famous quotes is: “Life is short, and truth works far and lives long: let us speak the truth.” A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is really free.
  • Arthur Schopenhauer influenced many great minds like Friedrich Nietzsche, Richard Wagner, and Jorge Luis Borges.

Below is a comprehensive list of Arthur Schopenhauer quotes and aphorisms on life, happiness, truth, and more.

Table of Contents
  1. Best Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes
  2. Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes on Life and Happiness
  3. Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes on Women
  4. Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes about Mind and Talent
  5. Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes about Truth
  6. Arthur Schopenhauer on Religion
  7. Arthur Schopenhauer about Will and Intelligence

Best Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes

They tell us that suicide is the greatest piece of cowardice; that only a madman could be guilty of it; and other insipidities of the same kind; or else they make the nonsensical remark that suicide is wrong; when it is quite obvious that there is nothing in the world to which every man has a more unassailable title than to his own life and person. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
1

They tell us that suicide is the greatest piece of cowardice; that only a madman could be guilty of it; and other insipidities of the same kind; or else they make the nonsensical remark that suicide is wrong; when it is quite obvious that there is nothing in the world to which every man has a more unassailable title than to his own life and person.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter III, Page 43

A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is really free. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
2

A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is really free.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter II, Section 9, Page 27

The doctor sees all the weakness of mankind; the lawyer all the wickedness, the theologian all the stupidity. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays Quotes)
3

The doctor sees all the weakness of mankind; the lawyer all the wickedness, the theologian all the stupidity.Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1890), Essay VI, Page 98

Every state of welfare, every feeling of satisfaction, is negative in its character; that is to say, it consists in freedom from pain, which is the positive element of existence. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
4

Every state of welfare, every feeling of satisfaction, is negative in its character; that is to say, it consists in freedom from pain, which is the positive element of existence.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter I, Page 15

Opinion is like a pendulum and obeys the same law. If it goes past the centre of gravity on one side, it must go a like distance on the other; and it is only after a certain time that it finds the true point at which it can remain at rest. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
5

Opinion is like a pendulum and obeys the same law. If it goes past the centre of gravity on one side, it must go a like distance on the other; and it is only after a certain time that it finds the true point at which it can remain at rest.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter V, Page 80

Sleep is the interest we have to pay on the capital which is called in at death; and the higher the rate of interest and the more regularly it is paid, the further the date of redemption is postponed. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
6

Sleep is the interest we have to pay on the capital which is called in at death; and the higher the rate of interest and the more regularly it is paid, the further the date of redemption is postponed.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter II, Section 20, Page 66

Every parting gives a foretaste of death; every coming together again a foretaste of the resurrection. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
7

Every parting gives a foretaste of death; every coming together again a foretaste of the resurrection.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter V, Page 75

Riches, one may say, are like sea-water: the more you drink, the thirstier you become; and the same is true of fame. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
8

Riches, one may say, are like sea-water: the more you drink, the thirstier you become; and the same is true of fame.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter III, Page 37

Compassion is the ultimate source of morality. - Arthur Schopenhauer (On the Basis of Morality Quotes)
9

Compassion is the ultimate source of morality.On the Basis of Morality (1841), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1903), Page 285

We have to forfeit three-fourths of ourselves in order to become like other people. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
10

We have to forfeit three-fourths of ourselves in order to become like other people.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter II, Section 9, Page 29

If you want to find out your real opinion of anyone, observe the impression made upon you by the first sight of a letter from him. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays Quotes)
11

If you want to find out your real opinion of anyone, observe the impression made upon you by the first sight of a letter from him.Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1890), Essay VI, Page 97

With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
12

With people of only moderate ability modesty is mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter V, Page 74

If you desire to get on in the world, friends and acquaintances are by far the best passport to fortune. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
13

If you desire to get on in the world, friends and acquaintances are by far the best passport to fortune.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter III, Section 34, Page 98

Money is human happiness in the abstract: he, then, who is no longer capable of enjoying human happiness in the concrete, devotes his heart entirely to money. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays Quotes)
14

Money is human happiness in the abstract: he, then, who is no longer capable of enjoying human happiness in the concrete, devotes his heart entirely to money.Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1890), Essay VI, Page 97

Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
15

Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter V, Page 69

Honor means that a man is not exceptional; fame, that he is. Fame is something which must be won; honor, only something which must not be lost. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
16

Honor means that a man is not exceptional; fame, that he is. Fame is something which must be won; honor, only something which must not be lost.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter IV, Section 4, Page 57

Politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
17

Politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter III, Section 36, Page 101

The face of a man gives us fuller and more interesting information than his tongue; for his face is the compendium of all he will ever say, as it is the one record of all his thoughts and endeavours. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays Quotes)
18

The face of a man gives us fuller and more interesting information than his tongue; for his face is the compendium of all he will ever say, as it is the one record of all his thoughts and endeavours.Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1890), Essay IV, Page 76

The wise in all ages have always said the same thing, and the fools, who at all times form the immense majority, have in their way, too, acted alike, and done just the opposite; and so it will continue. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
19

The wise in all ages have always said the same thing, and the fools, who at all times form the immense majority, have in their way, too, acted alike, and done just the opposite; and so it will continue.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Introduction, Page 2

No doubt, when modesty was made a virtue, it was a very advantageous thing for the fools, for everybody is expected to speak of himself as if he were one. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
20

No doubt, when modesty was made a virtue, it was a very advantageous thing for the fools, for everybody is expected to speak of himself as if he were one.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter IV, Section 2, Page 52

A man shows his character just in the way in which he deals with trifles, for then he is off his guard. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
21

A man shows his character just in the way in which he deals with trifles, for then he is off his guard.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter III, Section 29, Page 84

It would be a good thing to buy books if one could also buy the time in which to read them. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Art of Literature Quotes)
22

It would be a good thing to buy books if one could also buy the time in which to read them.The Art of Literature (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1900), Chapte VI, Page 83

Hatred comes from the heart, contempt from the head; and neither feeling is quite within our control. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
23

Hatred comes from the heart, contempt from the head; and neither feeling is quite within our control.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter V, Page 61

In truth the most striking figure for the relation of the two is that of the strong blind man carrying the sighted lame man on his shoulders. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Representation Quotes)
24

In truth the most striking figure for the relation of the two is that of the strong blind man carrying the sighted lame man on his shoulders.The World as Will and Representation (1844), (Dover, ed. 1966), Volume II, Chapter XIX, Page 209

Evil thoughts and unworthy aspirations gradually leave their mark on the face, especially in the eyes. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena Quotes)
25

Evil thoughts and unworthy aspirations gradually leave their mark on the face, especially in the eyes.Parerga and Paralipomena (1851), (Clarendon Press, ed. 2000), Chapter XXIX, Page 641

In our part of the world where monogamy is the rule, to marry means to halve one's rights and double one's duties. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
26

In our part of the world where monogamy is the rule, to marry means to halve one’s rights and double one’s duties.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter VII, Page 117

Because people have no thoughts to deal in, they deal cards, and try and win one another's money. Idiots! - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
27

Because people have no thoughts to deal in, they deal cards, and try and win one another’s money. Idiots!The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter II, Page 21

On the path of actions, a great heart is the chief recommendation; on that of works, a great head. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
28

On the path of actions, a great heart is the chief recommendation; on that of works, a great head.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter IV, Section 5, Page 86

Reading is thinking with some one else's head instead of one's own. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Art of Literature Quotes)
29

Reading is thinking with some one else’s head instead of one’s own.The Art of Literature (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1900), Chapter V, Page 63

Every nation mocks at other nations, and all are right. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
30

Every nation mocks at other nations, and all are right.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter IV, Section 2, Page 53

The word of man is the most durable material. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena Quotes)
31

The word of man is the most durable material.Parerga and Paralipomena (1851), (Clarendon Press, ed. 2000), Chapter XXV, Section 298, Page 565

Obstinacy is the result of the will forcing itself into the place of the intellect. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays Quotes)
32

Obstinacy is the result of the will forcing itself into the place of the intellect.Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1890), Essay VI, Page 97

The longer a man's fame is likely to last, the later it will be in coming. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
33

The longer a man’s fame is likely to last, the later it will be in coming.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter IV, Section 5, Page 88

A man never feels the loss of things which it never occurs to him to ask for. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
34

A man never feels the loss of things which it never occurs to him to ask for.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter III, Page 36

It is only at the first encounter that a face makes its full impression upon us. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays Quotes)
35

It is only at the first encounter that a face makes its full impression on us.Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1890), Essay IV, Page 77

The ultimate basis on which all our knowledge and science rest is the inexplicable. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena Quotes)
36

The ultimate basis on which all our knowledge and science rest is the inexplicable.Parerga and Paralipomena (1851), (Clarendon Press, ed. 2000), Chapter I, Section 1, Page 3

There is no absurdity so palpable but that it may be firmly planted in the human head if you only begin to inculcate it before the age of five, by constantly repeating it with an air of great solemnity. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
37

There is no absurdity so palpable but that it may be firmly planted in the human head if you only begin to inculcate it before the age of five, by constantly repeating it with an air of great solemnity.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter V, Page 78

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National character is only another name for the particular form which the littleness, perversity and baseness of mankind take in every country. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
38

National character is only another name for the particular form which the littleness, perversity and baseness of mankind take in every country.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter IV, Section 2, Page 53

For an author to write as he speaks is just as reprehensible as the opposite fault, to speak as he writes; for this gives a pedantic effect to what he says, and at the same time makes him hardly intelligible. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Art of Literature Quotes)
39

For an author to write as he speaks is just as reprehensible as the opposite fault, to speak as he writes; for this gives a pedantic effect to what he says, and at the same time makes him hardly intelligible.The Art of Literature (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1900), Chapter II, Page 28

To free a man from error is to give, and not to take away. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays Quotes)
40

To free a man from error is to give, and not to take away.Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1890), Essay I, Page 29

This actual world of what is knowable, in which we are and which is in us, remains both the material and the limit of our consideration. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Representation Quotes)
41

This actual world of what is knowable, in which we are and which is in us, remains both the material and the limit of our consideration.The World as Will and Representation (1819), (Dover, ed. 1969), Volume I, Fourth Book, Section 53, Page 273

Every time a man is begotten and born, the clock of human life is wound up anew to repeat once more its same old tune that has already been played innumerable times, movement by movement and measure by measure, with insignificant variations. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Representation Quotes)
42

Every time a man is begotten and born, the clock of human life is wound up anew to repeat once more its same old tune that has already been played innumerable times, movement by movement and measure by measure, with insignificant variations.The World as Will and Representation (1819), (Dover, ed. 1969), Volume I, Fourth Book, Section 58, Page 322

If a person is stupid, we excuse him by saying that he cannot help it; but if we attempted to excuse in precisely the same way the person who is bad, we should be laughed at. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Representation Quotes)
43

If a person is stupid, we excuse him by saying that he cannot help it; but if we attempted to excuse in precisely the same way the person who is bad, we should be laughed at.The World as Will and Representation (1844), (Dover, ed. 1966), Volume II, Chapter XIX, Page 230

Noise is the most impertinent of all forms of interruption. It is not only an interruption, but also a disruption of thought. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
44

Noise is the most impertinent of all forms of interruption. It is not only an interruption, but also a disruption of thought.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter VIII, Page 128

Every human perfection is allied to a defect into which it threatens to pass; but it is also true that every defect is allied to a perfection. - Arthur Schopenhauer (On Human Nature Quotes)
45

Every human perfection is allied to a defect into which it threatens to pass; but it is also true that every defect is allied to a perfection.On Human Nature (1851), (George Allen & Unwin Ltd., ed. 1897), Chapter I, Page 14

True brevity of expression consists in everywhere saying only what is worth saying, and in avoiding tedious detail about things which everyone can supply for himself. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Art of Literature Quotes)
46

True brevity of expression consists in everywhere saying only what is worth saying, and in avoiding tedious detail about things which everyone can supply for himself.The Art of Literature (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1900), Chapter II, Page 31

The general history of art and literature shows that the highest achievements of the human mind are, as a rule, not favourably received at first. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
47

The general history of art and literature shows that the highest achievements of the human mind are, as a rule, not favourably received at first.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter IV, Section 5, Page 89

Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes on Life and Happiness

The first forty years of life furnish the text, while the remaining thirty supply the commentary. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
48

The first forty years of life furnish the text, while the remaining thirty supply the commentary.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter V, Page 151

There is no doubt that life is given us, not to be enjoyed, but to be overcome - to be got over. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
49

There is no doubt that life is given us, not to be enjoyed, but to be overcome – to be got over.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter I, Section 1, Page 4

If we were not all of us exaggeratedly interested in ourselves, life would be so uninteresting that no one could endure it. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Art of Controversy Quotes)
50

If we were not all of us exaggeratedly interested in ourselves, life would be so uninteresting that no one could endure it.The Art of Controversy (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1900), Chapter IV, Page 95

Life is short, and truth works far and lives long: let us speak the truth. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Representation Quotes)
51

Life is short, and truth works far and lives long: let us speak the truth.The World as Will and Representation (1819), (Dover, ed. 1969), Volume I, Preface, Page xvii

Life is a business that does not cover the costs. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Representation Quotes)
52

Life is a business that does not cover the costs.The World as Will and Representation (1844), (Dover, ed. 1966), Volume II, Chapter XLVI, Page 574

Each day is a little life: every waking and rising a little birth, every fresh morning a little youth, every going to rest and sleep a little death. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
53

Each day is a little life: every waking and rising a little birth, every fresh morning a little youth, every going to rest and sleep a little death.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter II, Section 13, Page 52

The two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
54

The two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter II, Page 18

The greatest of follies is to sacrifice health for any other kind of happiness. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
55

The greatest of follies is to sacrifice health for any other kind of happiness.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter II, Page 15

Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes on Women

Between men there is by nature merely indifference, but between women there is enmity even by nature. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena Quotes)
56

Between men there is by nature merely indifference, but between women there is enmity even by nature.Parerga and Paralipomena (1851), (Clarendon Press, ed. 2000), Chapter XXVII, Section 368, Page 618

Reason is feminine in nature; it can only give after it has received. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Representation Quotes)
57

Reason is feminine in nature; it can only give after it has received.The World as Will and Representation (1819), (Dover, ed. 1969), Volume I, First Book, Section 10, Page 50

Dissimulation is innate in woman, and almost as much a quality of the stupid as of the clever. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
58

Dissimulation is innate in woman, and almost as much a quality of the stupid as of the clever.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter VII, Page 110

Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes about Mind and Talent

Talent is like the marksman who hits a target which others cannot reach; genius is like the marksman who hits a target, as far as which others cannot even see. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Representation Quotes)
59

Talent is like the marksman who hits a target which others cannot reach; genius is like the marksman who hits a target, as far as which others cannot even see.The World as Will and Representation (1844), (Dover, ed. 1966), Volume II, Chapter XXXI, Page 391

Every child is to a certain extent a genius, and every genius to a certain extent a child. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Representation Quotes)
60

Every child is to a certain extent a genius, and every genius to a certain extent a child.The World as Will and Representation (1844), (Dover, ed. 1966), Volume II, Chapter XXXI, Page 395

A man of talent will strive for money and reputation; but the spring that moves genius to the production of its works is not as easy to name. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Art of Literature Quotes)
61

A man of talent will strive for money and reputation; but the spring that moves genius to the production of its works is not as easy to name.The Art of Literature (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1900), Chapter IX, Page 147

Great minds are like eagles, and build their nest in some lofty solitude. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
62

Great minds are like eagles, and build their nest in some lofty solitude.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter III, Section 22, Page 71

To be alone is the fate of all great minds. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
63

To be alone is the fate of all great minds.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter II, Section 9, Page 41

Great minds are related to the short span of time wherein they live as are large buildings to the narrow plot of ground on which they stand. Thus large buildings are not seen to their full extent because we are too close to them. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena Quotes)
64

Great minds are related to the short span of time wherein they live as are large buildings to the narrow plot of ground on which they stand. Thus large buildings are not seen to their full extent because we are too close to them.Parerga and Paralipomena (1851), (Clarendon Press, ed. 2000), Chapter XX, Section 242, Page 475

Arthur Schopenhauer Quotes about Truth

What is most opposed to the discovery of truth is not the false appearance that proceeds from things and leads to error, or even directly a weakness of the intellect. On the contrary, it is the preconceived opinion, the prejudice, which, as a spurious a priori, is opposed to truth. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena Quotes)
65

What is most opposed to the discovery of truth is not the false appearance that proceeds from things and leads to error, or even directly a weakness of the intellect. On the contrary, it is the preconceived opinion, the prejudice, which, as a spurious a priori, is opposed to truth.Parerga and Paralipomena (1851), (Clarendon Press, ed. 2000), Chapter I, Section 17, Page 14

The difficulty is to teach the multitude that something can be both true and untrue at the same time. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays Quotes)
66

The difficulty is to teach the multitude that something can be both true and untrue at the same time.Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1890), Essay VI, Page 106

Truth can bide its time, for it has a long life before it. - Arthur Schopenhauer (On the Will in Nature Quotes)
67

Truth can bide its time, for it has a long life before it.On the Will in Nature (1836), (George Bell & Sons, ed. 1889), Introduction, Page 223

Truth is most beautiful undraped; and the impression it makes is deep in proportion as its expression has been simple. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Art of Literature Quotes)
68

Truth is most beautiful undraped; and the impression it makes is deep in proportion as its expression has been simple.The Art of Literature (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1900), Chapter II, Page 30

Arthur Schopenhauer on Religion

Religion is the chef d'oeuvre of the art of training, because it trains people in the way they shall think: and, as is well known, you cannot begin the process too early. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Studies in Pessimism Quotes)
69

Religion is the chef d’oeuvre of the art of training, because it trains people in the way they shall think: and, as is well known, you cannot begin the process too early.Studies in Pessimism (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1891), Chapter V, Page 78

The bad thing about all religions is that, instead of being able to confess their allegorical nature, they have to conceal it. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays Quotes)
70

The bad thing about all religions is that, instead of being able to confess their allegorical nature, they have to conceal it.Religion: A Dialogue and Other Essays (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1890), Essay VI, Page 106

All religions promise a reward beyond this life in eternity for excellences of the will or of the heart, but none for excellences of the head, of the understanding. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Representation Quotes)
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All religions promise a reward beyond this life in eternity for excellences of the will or of the heart, but none for excellences of the head, of the understanding.The World as Will and Representation (1844), (Dover, ed. 1966), Volume II, Chapter XIX, Page 230

Arthur Schopenhauer about Will and Intelligence

Man does at all times only what he wills, and yet he does this necessarily. - Arthur Schopenhauer (On The Freedom Of The Will Quotes)
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Man does at all times only what he wills, and yet he does this necessarily.On The Freedom Of The Will (1839), (Liberal Arts Press, ed. 1960), Chapter V, Page 98

Will without intellect is the most vulgar and common thing in the world, possessed by every blockhead, who, in the gratification of his passions, shows the stuff of which he is made. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
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Will without intellect is the most vulgar and common thing in the world, possessed by every blockhead, who, in the gratification of his passions, shows the stuff of which he is made.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter II, Page 27

Nature shows that with the growth of intelligence comes increased capacity for pain, and it is only with the highest degree of intelligence that suffering reaches its supreme point. - Arthur Schopenhauer (The Wisdom of Life Quotes)
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Nature shows that with the growth of intelligence comes increased capacity for pain, and it is only with the highest degree of intelligence that suffering reaches its supreme point.The Wisdom of Life (1851), (M. W. Dunne, ed. 1901), Chapter II, Page 26

Intellect is invisible to the man who has none. - Arthur Schopenhauer (Counsels and Maxims Quotes)
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Intellect is invisible to the man who has none.Counsels and Maxims (1851), (Swan Sonnenschein & Co., ed. 1895), Chapter III, Section 23, Page 70