DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Arthur Schopenhauer’s On the Suffering of the World presents a deeply pessimistic yet thought-provoking view of human existence. Drawing from his philosophy of will and representation, Schopenhauer explores the nature of suffering as an inescapable aspect of life. He contends that human existence is primarily characterized by suffering, and any fleeting moments of happiness are either illusions or mere respites from the ongoing torment of life.

Let’s explore this cornerstone of Schopenhauer’s broader philosophical system, emphasizing his belief that the world is driven by an irrational, insatiable will that subjects all beings to perpetual suffering…

The nature of suffering

Schopenhauer opens his discussion by asserting that suffering is the fundamental condition of life. He challenges the optimistic perspectives that view happiness as attainable or the world as inherently good. Instead, he argues that existence is burdened with pain, and the absence of suffering is merely a temporary relief rather than a true state of happiness. He states that if life were inherently pleasurable, there would be no need for struggle, and people would not be constantly striving to escape discomfort. In this sense, happiness is not a positive experience but rather the momentary cessation of suffering.

He illustrates this idea through the human pursuit of desires. Individuals are perpetually caught in a cycle of wanting, achieving, and then desiring again. When a goal is achieved, the satisfaction it brings is short-lived, quickly giving way to boredom or new desires. This never-ending cycle demonstrates that suffering is the norm, while pleasure is merely an exception. Thus, human life is fundamentally a tragedy, as people are doomed to a constant struggle against dissatisfaction and pain.

The role of the will

Schopenhauer’s philosophy is rooted in the concept of the will—a blind, irrational force that drives all living beings. This will is the fundamental essence of existence, compelling every creature to struggle for survival, reproduction, and fulfillment of desires. However, because this will is insatiable, it ensures that suffering is endless. The more one desires, the more one suffers.

This perspective aligns with Buddhist and Hindu philosophical notions, which Schopenhauer greatly admired. In these traditions, desire is the root of suffering, and detachment is the path to liberation. Schopenhauer echoes these sentiments, arguing that the will is the source of misery, and to reduce suffering, one must strive to renounce or suppress it. However, he acknowledges that such a renunciation is incredibly difficult to achieve, as the will is deeply ingrained in human nature.

The futility of human endeavors

A central theme in Schopenhauer’s essay is the futility of human efforts to find lasting happiness. He criticizes the notion that wealth, success, or social status can bring genuine contentment. Instead, he argues that these pursuits only lead to further dissatisfaction. The wealthy and powerful may temporarily experience pleasure, but their desires will soon evolve into new, unattainable cravings, leading to further suffering.

Schopenhauer also critiques the common human belief in progress. Many assume that advancements in science, technology, and civilization will lead to a better life. However, he contends that while external conditions may improve, the fundamental nature of human suffering remains unchanged. Civilization does not eliminate suffering; it merely transforms its form. Instead of struggling against physical hardship, people in modern societies struggle with existential despair, anxiety, and dissatisfaction.

The illusion of happiness

Another significant aspect of Schopenhauer’s argument is his critique of the idea that happiness is a meaningful goal in life. He asserts that what people call happiness is often just an illusion, a brief interlude between periods of suffering. For instance, moments of joy are often overshadowed by the anticipation of loss. Even in the midst of pleasure, people worry about when it will end, thus diminishing their enjoyment.

Additionally, Schopenhauer points out that people often misjudge what will make them happy. Many assume that acquiring certain things—be it wealth, love, or fame—will bring them lasting joy. However, when these desires are fulfilled, they often find themselves just as unsatisfied as before. This highlights the tragic irony of human existence: people tirelessly chase after goals that, once achieved, fail to provide the fulfillment they expected.

Coping with suffering

Despite his bleak assessment of life, Schopenhauer does offer ways to mitigate suffering. He suggests that intellectual and aesthetic pursuits can provide temporary relief from the relentless demands of the will. Engaging with art, music, and philosophy allows individuals to transcend their personal suffering, if only momentarily. He particularly praises the power of music, which he sees as a direct expression of the will and a means of achieving a deeper understanding of existence.

Furthermore, Schopenhauer advocates for compassion as a way to alleviate suffering. By recognizing that all beings share the same struggle, individuals can develop empathy, which fosters kindness and selflessness. While this does not eliminate suffering, it can make life more bearable and reduce unnecessary cruelty.

Another approach he explores is asceticism, the practice of renouncing worldly desires and pleasures. He admires religious traditions that embrace asceticism, such as Buddhism and certain Christian monastic practices, which attempt to suppress the will and detach from material concerns. Although difficult to achieve, this lifestyle, according to Schopenhauer, offers the best chance of reducing suffering.

Schopenhauer’s lasting influence

On the Suffering of the World has had a profound impact on existentialist and pessimistic philosophies. Later thinkers, including Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus, and Emil Cioran, engaged with Schopenhauer’s ideas, either adopting or challenging his views. Nietzsche, for instance, initially admired Schopenhauer but later rejected his pessimism in favor of a philosophy that embraced life’s struggles as a means of self-overcoming.

Schopenhauer’s views also resonate with modern psychological theories on happiness and human motivation. Many contemporary studies support his idea that constant striving and desire often lead to dissatisfaction. Concepts such as the “hedonic treadmill” suggest that people quickly adapt to changes in their circumstances, making long-term happiness elusive—an idea that aligns with Schopenhauer’s assertion that suffering is inescapable.

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Arthur Schopenhauer’s On the Suffering of the World presents a sobering but profound reflection on human existence. He argues that suffering is the essence of life, driven by an insatiable will that compels individuals to pursue desires that ultimately leave them unfulfilled. While he offers intellectual and artistic engagement, compassion, and asceticism as partial remedies, he acknowledges that true escape from suffering is nearly impossible.

Schopenhauer’s work continues to challenge and inspire readers, offering a counterpoint to more optimistic worldviews. His insights into suffering, desire, and the nature of existence remain relevant, serving as a reminder that human life is shaped not by its moments of pleasure, but by the endurance of its hardships. Whether one accepts or rejects his conclusions, Schopenhauer’s exploration of suffering forces readers to confront the deeper realities of human life.