Suffering by nature or chance never seems so painful as suffering inflicted on us by the arbitrary will of another

Suffering by nature or chance never seems so painful as suffering inflicted on us by the arbitrary will of another

Arthur Schopenhauer, a renowned German philosopher, is known for his pessimistic views on life and the human condition. One of his key beliefs is that suffering is an inherent part of existence, and that it is ultimately futile to try to escape or avoid it. However, Schopenhauer also recognized that there are different types of suffering, and that some forms are more unbearable than others.

In his essay "On the Suffering of the World," Schopenhauer discusses the idea that suffering inflicted on us by the arbitrary will of another person is particularly painful. He argues that this type of suffering is more unbearable because it is a deliberate act of cruelty, rather than a natural or random occurrence. When we experience suffering at the hands of another person, it can feel like a betrayal of trust and a violation of our autonomy.

Schopenhauer believed that the will to harm others is a fundamental aspect of human nature, and that this inherent cruelty is what makes suffering inflicted by others so unbearable. He saw this will to harm as a manifestation of the universal principle of egoism, which drives individuals to prioritize their own desires and interests above those of others.

For Schopenhauer, the arbitrary will of another person represents a direct challenge to our own will and autonomy. When we are subjected to suffering at the hands of another, it can feel like a violation of our own sense of self and agency. This type of suffering can be particularly painful because it undermines our ability to control our own lives and destinies.