Schopenhauer and Nietzsche: similarities and differences

Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche are two of the most important philosophers in history. Both lived in Germany (in territories that eventually became part of today’s Germany) and placed the theory of the will at the centre of their ideas. Schopenhauer (1788-1860) appreciated Kant, but criticised other mainstream philosophers such as Hegel. He had no kind word for Hegel’s determinism, which reduced individuals and history to pawns of a supernatural spirit. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) took Schopenhauer’s ideas to the extreme. He rejected Western rationalism and idealism, and favoured profoundly individualistic ideals. Schopenhauer and Nietzsche aimed at finding solutions to a key philosophical problem: How can you reduce suffering and experience as much happiness as possible in life? Their answers are driven by their conception of the cosmos. For Schopenhauer, the universe is driven by the Will, which he defined as the will to live, the will for sexual reproduction, the will for success, and so on. He regarded the Will as a universal, blind, overwhelming force that drives animals and humans. For Nietzsche, the answer is “the will to power,” which is a narrower concept. It is self-generated and self-propelled. You’ll be able to develop it, if you wish. It can motivate you to pursue challenging goals, persevere, and succeed against all odds. Both Schopenhauer and Nietzsche acknowledge the strong influence of primal instincts and desires upon humans. In their writings, they give examples of individuals driven by the Will (the Will in general, or the Will to Power), and the results of their actions. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauer-and-nietzsche-similarities-and-differences/