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The World is a Prison: Schopenhauer’s Terrifying Philosophy
Imagine the world as one giant prison. This is the grim lens through which 19th-century philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer viewed our existence. Observing the immense amount of pain and suffering humans experience, Schopenhauer concluded that our primary pursuit is not happiness and pleasure but the reduction of suffering, which is an inherent part of life.
Life’s Confinement and Suffering
Drawing parallels between life and prison, Schopenhauer noted that, like prisoners, we did not choose to be here. We are confined by the passage of time, inching closer to death with each day, and within these constraints, we often endure a stream of suffering, tragedy, and misery. To escape this constant pain, we flit from one pleasure to another, seeking temporary relief.
The Will-to-Live and Nature’s Struggle
In nature, this relentless struggle for survival is evident. Organisms, driven by what Schopenhauer termed the “will-to-live,” feed on each other to extend their miserable existence. Humanity, in its quest for dominance, exploits both its members and the natural world, often falling prey to diseases and disasters.
