Analysis of Schopenhauer’s philosophy of happiness

While most nineteenth-century #philosophers focused their efforts on epistemology and social ethics, Arthur #schopenhauer (1788–1860) stands alone in his concern for individual well- being and happiness. He rejected the trend set by Kant, Fichte and #hegel because he could not see any practical application. Those three thinkers are categorised in #philosophy books as “idealistic,” but I think that it’s more accurate to call them “otherworldly.” Kant’s theory of the categorical imperative is useless in real life. Nobody can take decisions at a reasonable speed if every time he has to check if the underlying principles are universal, eternal and categorical. Kant’s proposal was nonsense. Similarly, Fichte’s concept of a “metaphysical ego” is just a delusion. No supernatural consciousness is driving nations in a particular direction. No metaphysical force prompts people to make the right decision every time. Fichte was totally wrong. Hegel is possibly the worst of them all because he worked so hard to undermine Aristotelian traditions. His writings built a pandemonium of pseudo-concepts. His theory of the absolute spirit driving history forward has no bearing in reality. Schopenhauer held idealist thinkers at a prudent distance. In his works “About the fourfold root of the principle of sufficient reason”(1814), “The world as will and representation” (1818), and “Parerga and Paralipomena” (1851), he proposed practical steps to increase #selfawareness and steer away from problems. Let us pass review to Schopenhauer’s key recommendations on human happiness. Schopenhauer advised and practised #selfdiscipline as a way of life. He made the effort to develop beneficial habits, and practised them day after day, making no exceptions. In this respect, Schopenhauer was following Seneca’s prescription. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/analysis-of-schopenhauers-philosophy-of-happiness/