Arthur Schopenhauer and the Malignant, Metaphysical Will

Further research on Jung has lead me down a veritable rabbit hole (yes, friend, a rabbit hole) of philosophical and psychological thinkers of the past, from Schopenhauer to Einstein, to Hegel, Kant and Nietzsche, and all the way back to Plato. These are names I'm more or less familiar with, but here I'll focus on Schopenhauer.

I should preface this by saying I've only begun to delve into these matters, perhaps in response to my own, newly-christened search for individual truth.

German-born Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 - 1860) was an olde-school "Debbie Downer." A more proper (but no less correct) description would be a philosophical pessimist. He believed that the phenomenal world (that which can be observed by humans) was the product of a "blind, insatiable, malignant, metaphysical will." For me, malignant is the word that stands out. Why? What tragedy happened in this dude's life to make him believe such a thing? But wait, there's more good news. From Wikipedia: "Human desire is futile, illogical, directionless, and by extension, so is all human action in the world." Not only does good 'ol Arthur consider his cup half empty, I'd wager whatever it's full of is something yucky.

He further built upon Hegel's Zeitgeist, the idea that society is directed by a collective consciousness. However, in Schopenhauer's version of the truth, this collective consciousness was controlled by the all-encompassing Will. But wait, seriously, there's more. The only way to overcome this evil is to embrace mankind's duties of asceticism and chastity. It's no wonder most of his influence and fame came posthumously.

Schopenhauer's idea of the Will is intriguing to me because I think it nonsense. That aside, I feel I have much to learn from him (despite his misogynistic views on women). To build upon his predecessors and further develop his own unique school of thought is no small accomplishment. As I continue to do with Jung, I will sift through Schopenhauer's work to find those bits and pieces that resonate with my thoughts and further me on my own path.

Always helpful, my husband readily supplied me with Schopenhauer: Essays and Aphorisms as soon as I mentioned his name, so add that to the growing list of books I'm reading. I really need to update my Goodreads profile, people.

If nothing else, think of the possibilities for literary inspiration. This insatiable, malignant Will has a very Lovecraftian appeal to it. Perhaps when I'm done reading (which will likely be never), I'll start writing about it.

I'm feeling decidedly more optimistic in October. Peace out.

J. L. Dodd

Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer