Arthur Schopenhauer, a renowned philosopher of pessimism, had a unique perspective on existence and life. Despite his belief that existence was an unfortunate mistake, he still possessed a strong “will to live.” When he settled in Frankfurt, one of his main reasons was the city’s reputation for having skilled doctors.
In Frankfurt, Schopenhauer took extreme precautions to protect his life and maintain his comfortable lifestyle. He went to great lengths, almost bordering on paranoia, to ensure his safety. For instance, he kept loaded pistols by his bedside, carried a leather flask to avoid drinking contaminated water, and even prohibited barbers from shaving his neck. To safeguard his privacy, he wrote his personal and business details in languages like English, Latin, or Greek, or in a shorthand code to prevent others from reading them.
As he grew older, Schopenhauer’s fear of danger increased. In his final year, he moved to a ground floor apartment out of concern for being trapped in a house fire. He compared a man of genius to someone living among dogs and cats, symbolizing the constant threat of being harmed.
During the riots of 1848 in Frankfurt, Schopenhauer, then sixty years old, was worried about his property and well-being. He welcomed Austrian troops and even allowed soldiers into his apartment to shoot at revolutionaries from the window. This unexpected act showcased his willingness to protect his interests and safety during tumultuous times.
Schopenhauer’s views on nationalism were distinct from many of his contemporaries. He believed that national pride was a shallow form of self-esteem that required no personal effort. He critiqued those who found pride in their nationality as a way to compensate for their own shortcomings. His philosophical work emphasized the importance of individual thought and character over blind allegiance to a nation.
The Nazis, however, interpreted Schopenhauer’s ideas differently. They admired his concept of the “will to life,” which they transformed into the “will to power” when combined with Nietzsche’s philosophy. This glorification of irrational will over reason aligned with their ideology of social Darwinism, where strength and action trumped intellectualism and justice.
In conclusion, Schopenhauer’s life and philosophy continue to intrigue scholars and readers alike. His unique perspective on existence, individualism, and nationalism challenge conventional beliefs and offer a fresh outlook on the complexities of human nature.