Arthur Schopenhauer's The Wisdom of Life, published in 1851, explores the art of living a fulfilling life, focusing on achieving pleasure and success. Schopenhauer challenges conventional views on happiness, arguing that true happiness stems from inner qualities (personality) rather than external factors (property and reputation). He analyses the relative importance of these three aspects of human life, highlighting the enduring value of a strong character and intellect over fleeting possessions or social standing. The text further examines the pitfalls of vanity and the pursuit of fame, contrasting these with the genuine contentment found in self-sufficiency and intellectual pursuits. Finally, Schopenhauer critiques the code of "knightly honour," arguing that it is an artificial construct that prioritises violence over reason and undermines true social harmony.
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