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Counsels and Maxims
Um pequeno manual de filosofia prática para quem busca o sentido da existência.
A dor é a essência da vida. Compreendê-la é o primeiro passo para a superar.
Schopenhauer convida-nos a olhar a dor não como falha, mas como destino.
Entre reflexões serenas e perguntas que ecoam, Schopenhauer abre espaço para percebermos que a existência é feita de ciclos, de expectativas que se desdobram e de uma busca silenciosa por significado. Neste livro, a dor ganha contornos de mestre, e a felicidade, de brisa que passa — ambas revelando, na sua dança, aquilo que a consciência tenta tocar.
A vida não promete redenção, apenas entendimento.
As Dores do Mundo é um convite a olhar a vida como um grande mistério pulsante, onde cada alegria e cada sombra fazem parte do mesmo desígnio. Aqui, a dor não surge como um fardo, mas como uma um sinal de que existimos, sentimos e fazemos parte de algo maior do que nós próprios.
Não sofremos por acaso. Sofremos porque existimos.
O leitor encontra, página após página, um olhar atento sobre a alma humana. Mas, acima de tudo, encontra um caminho, uma meditação suave sobre o existir, onde a dor se ilumina, o pensamento respira e a vida, finalmente, se revela como um enigma belo e inevitável.
A dor é a única verdade que não se mascara.
A dor é a essência da vida. Compreendê-la é o primeiro passo para a superar.
Schopenhauer convida-nos a olhar a dor não como falha, mas como destino.
Entre reflexões serenas e perguntas que ecoam, Schopenhauer abre espaço para percebermos que a existência é feita de ciclos, de expectativas que se desdobram e de uma busca silenciosa por significado. Neste livro, a dor ganha contornos de mestre, e a felicidade, de brisa que passa — ambas revelando, na sua dança, aquilo que a consciência tenta tocar.
A vida não promete redenção, apenas entendimento.
As Dores do Mundo é um convite a olhar a vida como um grande mistério pulsante, onde cada alegria e cada sombra fazem parte do mesmo desígnio. Aqui, a dor não surge como um fardo, mas como uma um sinal de que existimos, sentimos e fazemos parte de algo maior do que nós próprios.
Não sofremos por acaso. Sofremos porque existimos.
O leitor encontra, página após página, um olhar atento sobre a alma humana. Mas, acima de tudo, encontra um caminho, uma meditação suave sobre o existir, onde a dor se ilumina, o pensamento respira e a vida, finalmente, se revela como um enigma belo e inevitável.
A dor é a única verdade que não se mascara.
116 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1851
About the author
Arthur Schopenhauer
2,211 books6,225 followersArthur Schopenhauer was born in the city of Danzig (then part of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth; present day Gdańsk, Poland) and was a German philosopher best known for his work The World as Will and Representation. Schopenhauer attempted to make his career as an academic by correcting and expanding Immanuel Kant's philosophy concerning the way in which we experience the world.
He was the son of author Johanna Schopenhauer and the older brother of Adele Schopenhauer.
He was the son of author Johanna Schopenhauer and the older brother of Adele Schopenhauer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 28, 2020
Wax, a substance naturally hard and brittle, can be made soft by the application of a little warmth, so that it will take any shape you please. In the same way, by being polite and friendly, you can make people pliable and obliging, even though they are apt to be crabbed and malevolent. Hence politeness is to human nature what warmth is to wax.
November 9, 2014
I picked this up (free from Project Gutenberg) because it was mentioned as a reference related to Stoicism by William Irvine, the author of "A Guide to the Good Life." It certainly is that, but as much as I like some of the classical Stoic authors, I couldn't get behind Schopenhauer.
It's funny because of his message is in many ways so similar to that espoused by the classical authors: the key to happiness is the achievement of tranquility, and many of the things held in high esteem by society (riches, fame) are not of real value. However, AS just puts such a gloomy and negative spin on this view that it is hard for me to imagine reading this book and feeling inspired. AS's main approach seems to be to achieve tranquility by not aspiring to much, and by avoiding things that could cause pain. The perspective of Epictetus and others seems much more correct to me: achieve tranquility through the cultivation and exercise of your reason, training yourself to value those things that have true value, to reflect on your own actions and reactions, and to focus your efforts and aspirations on those things over which you have some control.
I think the paragraph I wrote above points up an important difference between AS and the classical Stoics. The classical Stoic philosophy is heavily focused on personal growth--there is an ideal of a Stoic sage that we all fall short of, but can continually work toward through effort and discipline. For AS, though, change and growth seem to be absent. He seems to take us as we are--disappointing, in many ways--and simply seeks to deal with that. Epictetus prescribes a cure; AS prescribes a palliative. Not unrelated, I think, is AS's very offputting elitism and misanthropy. He states plainly that he thinks that most people are idiots and not worth the time or attention of "higher sorts of people." This is a fundamental tenet of his approach that I just can't agree on.
I noticed belatedly that this is actually the second (short) volume of a two-part work, with "The Wisdom of Life" being the former. I had also downloaded that volume onto my Kindle, but just arbitrarily chose to read this one first. Now I have to decide whether it's worth reading the other. I'm leaning toward no, but will keep it on my Kindle for the time being.
It's funny because of his message is in many ways so similar to that espoused by the classical authors: the key to happiness is the achievement of tranquility, and many of the things held in high esteem by society (riches, fame) are not of real value. However, AS just puts such a gloomy and negative spin on this view that it is hard for me to imagine reading this book and feeling inspired. AS's main approach seems to be to achieve tranquility by not aspiring to much, and by avoiding things that could cause pain. The perspective of Epictetus and others seems much more correct to me: achieve tranquility through the cultivation and exercise of your reason, training yourself to value those things that have true value, to reflect on your own actions and reactions, and to focus your efforts and aspirations on those things over which you have some control.
I think the paragraph I wrote above points up an important difference between AS and the classical Stoics. The classical Stoic philosophy is heavily focused on personal growth--there is an ideal of a Stoic sage that we all fall short of, but can continually work toward through effort and discipline. For AS, though, change and growth seem to be absent. He seems to take us as we are--disappointing, in many ways--and simply seeks to deal with that. Epictetus prescribes a cure; AS prescribes a palliative. Not unrelated, I think, is AS's very offputting elitism and misanthropy. He states plainly that he thinks that most people are idiots and not worth the time or attention of "higher sorts of people." This is a fundamental tenet of his approach that I just can't agree on.
I noticed belatedly that this is actually the second (short) volume of a two-part work, with "The Wisdom of Life" being the former. I had also downloaded that volume onto my Kindle, but just arbitrarily chose to read this one first. Now I have to decide whether it's worth reading the other. I'm leaning toward no, but will keep it on my Kindle for the time being.
September 25, 2025
Prvi susret sa Šopenhauerom i zaista sam pozitivno iznenađen.
"Ko je, međutim, sistem moje filozofije potpuno primio u sebe, i otuda zna da je naše biće nešto čega bi bolje bilo da nema, i da je najveća mudrost poricati ga i odbijati, taj neće ni od kakve stvari i ni od kakvog stanja mnogo šta očekivati, neće ničemu na svetu težiti strasno, niti će se vajkati što je ovo ili ono propustio, nego će biti prožet Platonovim: Ništa zemaljsko nije vredno velike želje."
Ako si jedan svet izgubio, nemoj se zbog toga žalostiti, jer nije ništa; a ako si jedan svet dobio, nemoj se zbog toga radovati, jer nije ništa. Prolaze bolovi i slasti; prođi pored sveta; jer nije ništa.
"Ko je, međutim, sistem moje filozofije potpuno primio u sebe, i otuda zna da je naše biće nešto čega bi bolje bilo da nema, i da je najveća mudrost poricati ga i odbijati, taj neće ni od kakve stvari i ni od kakvog stanja mnogo šta očekivati, neće ničemu na svetu težiti strasno, niti će se vajkati što je ovo ili ono propustio, nego će biti prožet Platonovim: Ništa zemaljsko nije vredno velike želje."
Ako si jedan svet izgubio, nemoj se zbog toga žalostiti, jer nije ništa; a ako si jedan svet dobio, nemoj se zbog toga radovati, jer nije ništa. Prolaze bolovi i slasti; prođi pored sveta; jer nije ništa.
January 27, 2026
Hands down, one of my top nonfiction reads.
February 29, 2024
Лепше ми је село од Марка Аурелија Медитације, фул препорука.
“Завист људи показује колико се осећају несрећни; а њихова непрекидна пажња коју обраћају на туђ рад показује колико им је дуго време”.
“Завист људи показује колико се осећају несрећни; а њихова непрекидна пажња коју обраћају на туђ рад показује колико им је дуго време”.
February 7, 2017
Iskreno, neumesno mi je da komentarišem knjigu koja je pisana za muškarce! Malo da se našalim pa da se zapitam mogu li je shvatiti i jesam li dostojna ovih misli?
Sudeći po Šopenhaueru - donekle, ipak kaže on tu negde da dete od oca nasleđuje srčanost a od majke pamet, a sudeći po momku koji mi je poklonio ovu knjigu leta 2014-e kad smo zajedno rovarili po starim knjigama u ulici 1300 kaplara bila je prava stvar za mene. I eto, momak, ja je pročitah sad a da sam onda, bi li mi nešto značila? Ne verujem ali sad znači, našla sam ovde nešto što mi je trebalo baš sad da pročitam, bez obzira koliko se ne slagala sa ostalim. Hvala ti na tome neimenovani!
Sudeći po Šopenhaueru - donekle, ipak kaže on tu negde da dete od oca nasleđuje srčanost a od majke pamet, a sudeći po momku koji mi je poklonio ovu knjigu leta 2014-e kad smo zajedno rovarili po starim knjigama u ulici 1300 kaplara bila je prava stvar za mene. I eto, momak, ja je pročitah sad a da sam onda, bi li mi nešto značila? Ne verujem ali sad znači, našla sam ovde nešto što mi je trebalo baš sad da pročitam, bez obzira koliko se ne slagala sa ostalim. Hvala ti na tome neimenovani!
June 19, 2011
Short and highly enjoyable book. Schopenhauer's philosophy I call "philosophy of the hammer". He's funny, he's brutal, he's showing things the way they are... in this miserable world. Plenty of us would like to "disappear", but it's easier to say it than to do it. Schopenhauer is giving us counsels how to ease our "staying". So, it's not pessimistic all the way, because A. S. is actually giving us counsels, defensive ones, though, how to fight miseries in this irrational world. Schop's writings are clear-minded and distinct, so this book can be regared as literature, too.
March 21, 2026
Schopenhauer's Counsels and Maxims do not talk about how we should live well, but rather about how we should not live badly that is, how to live tolerably. The absence of suffering is the fundamental prerequisite for "happiness" (?), and the deliberate avoidance of suffering is supposed to be the main purpose of life. Life must be endured. Striving to achieve any pleasures is doomed to fail and sooner or later leads to suffering (which, after all, is what we must avoid). Avoiding pleasures, however, leads to boredom, and boredom is the second great evil of life. Only great geniuses know how to exist alone with themselves, without people (who are also bad and bring suffering), capable of resisting temptations.
Overall a few nice thoughts, but one can read them elsewhere in a more valuable form, and without the forced pessimism (perhaps this is better explained in his main work, however I don't see clear premises for it here).
Overall a few nice thoughts, but one can read them elsewhere in a more valuable form, and without the forced pessimism (perhaps this is better explained in his main work, however I don't see clear premises for it here).
July 27, 2025
Another fantastic essay on human nature, and an insightful guide to life. Schopenhauer, in his aristocratic manner, analyzes why men of intellect cannot relate in the slightest to the common bunch. He believes those “higher natures” are fated to remain alone, and that only posterity will understand their true genius.
Despite the insight, one can almost feel in his lips the sour taste when Schopenhauer speaks of his contemporaries, in a clear, but silent shot at Hegel and his followers. It is often hard to tell whether his words come from wisdom or resentment, but nevertheless his rhetoric is extremely entertaining.
“We will gradually become indifferent to what goes on in the minds of other people when we acquire a knowledge of the superficial nature of their thoughts”
Despite the insight, one can almost feel in his lips the sour taste when Schopenhauer speaks of his contemporaries, in a clear, but silent shot at Hegel and his followers. It is often hard to tell whether his words come from wisdom or resentment, but nevertheless his rhetoric is extremely entertaining.
“We will gradually become indifferent to what goes on in the minds of other people when we acquire a knowledge of the superficial nature of their thoughts”
May 8, 2026
These essays from 1851 are still mostly relevant and very interesting. In my view, this shows that Arthur Schopenhauer was one of the great philosophers of humanity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2021
This is it, the pessimists' guide to living a life with less pain. As someone with neurotic tendencies, I found the experience of reading this to be intriguing but nevertheless, enjoyable.
In this book, however, there are some ideas that are questionable and seem a little elitist to my liking. There is the discussion of playing dumb to be liked, which is dishonest and ingenuine. There is also the notion of intelligent men favouring solitude versus dull men favouring the crowd; as much as I feel compelled to believe that particular notion—as it feeds my ego—I suspect that it cannot be as simple as that. That particular one comes up constantly throughout the first few chapters, so I assume it must have had a great impact in Schopenhauer's life.
Then, I especially love his perspectives on courage, prudence, being in the present moment (similar to Zen Buddhism), facing misfortunes (similar to Stoicism), the everchanging and fleeting life (similar to Taoism), and the section on the different passing of Time between the youth and the old.
Other than some questionable concepts, much of his words are painfully relatable, and overall, it was a wonderful experience to be able to see life and society through Schopenhauer's lens. All in all, I may not agree with all of his views, but the insight he provides is invaluable.
In this book, however, there are some ideas that are questionable and seem a little elitist to my liking. There is the discussion of playing dumb to be liked, which is dishonest and ingenuine. There is also the notion of intelligent men favouring solitude versus dull men favouring the crowd; as much as I feel compelled to believe that particular notion—as it feeds my ego—I suspect that it cannot be as simple as that. That particular one comes up constantly throughout the first few chapters, so I assume it must have had a great impact in Schopenhauer's life.
Then, I especially love his perspectives on courage, prudence, being in the present moment (similar to Zen Buddhism), facing misfortunes (similar to Stoicism), the everchanging and fleeting life (similar to Taoism), and the section on the different passing of Time between the youth and the old.
Other than some questionable concepts, much of his words are painfully relatable, and overall, it was a wonderful experience to be able to see life and society through Schopenhauer's lens. All in all, I may not agree with all of his views, but the insight he provides is invaluable.
July 2, 2026
Artur Šopenhauer -Paraneze i maksime
Artur Šopenhauer bio je nemački filozof i jedan od najuticajnijih mislilaca 19. veka. Njegova filozofija ostavila je dubok trag ne samo u filozofiji, već i u psihologiji, književnosti, umetnosti i proučavanju ljudske prirode. Mnogi kasniji autori, među kojima su Fridrih Niče, Sigmund Frojd i Lav Tolstoj, raspravljali su o njegovim idejama ili su bili pod njihovim uticajem.
U središtu njegovog razmišljanja nalazi se čovek i pitanje zbog čega ljudi, uprkos neprekidnoj potrazi za srećom, često ostaju nezadovoljni. Smatrao je da čovekom upravlja snažna unutrašnja volja – neprestana težnja za novim željama, ciljevima i postignućima.
Kada jednu želju ostvarimo, vrlo brzo se javlja sledeća, zbog čega trajno zadovoljstvo ostaje teško dostižno.
Iako ga mnogi nazivaju pesimistom, Šopenhauer nije želeo da obeshrabri ljude, već da ih podstakne na trezveniji pogled na život. Verovao je da najveći mir ne dolazi iz gomilanja zadovoljstava, već iz smanjenja patnje, razvijanja unutrašnje smirenosti i oslobađanja od nepotrebnih želja.
Posebno je cenio samoću, promišljanje, umetnost, muziku i saosećanje prema drugim ljudima, smatrajući da upravo kroz njih čovek može pronaći predah od svakodnevnih briga.
Njegova dela i danas privlače pažnju zato što se bave temama koje su bezvremene: ljudskim karakterom, odnosima, srećom, usamljenošću, prolaznošću i smislom života. Mnogi čitaoci u njegovim mislima pronalaze objašnjenja za obrasce ponašanja koje prepoznaju kod sebe i drugih, pa se njegova filozofija i više od jednog i po veka nakon njegove smrti i dalje smatra izuzetno aktuelnom.
''Jeste, svi smo, kako kaže Šiler, rođeni u Arkadiji – odnosno dolazimo na svet puni očekivanja da ćemo pronaći sreću i uživanje, iskreno verujući da nam pripadaju. Međutim, vrlo brzo dolazi sudbina, nemilosrdno nas suočava sa stvarnošću i pokazuje nam da ništa nije zaista naše, već da je sve prolazno i podložno promeni.
Jer sudbina polaže pravo ne samo na naše imanje i ono što smo stekli, već i na naše najbliže, na telo, zdravlje i sve ono što smatramo trajnim i sigurnim. Vremenom dolazi iskustvo koje nam otvara oči i pokazuje da su sreća i uživanje poput fatamorgane – privlačni dok ih posmatramo izdaleka, ali čim im se približimo, oni se udalje. Nasuprot tome, bol i patnja imaju svoju stvarnost; njima nisu potrebne ni iluzije ni nade da bi postojali.
Ako iz tog iskustva naučimo pravu lekciju, tada prestajemo da jurimo za srećom kao za nečim što će nas jednom zauvek ispuniti. Umesto toga, počinjemo da živimo mudrije, nastojeći pre svega da, koliko god je moguće, zatvorimo vrata bolu i patnji. Upravo u tom tihom nastojanju da sačuvamo unutrašnji mir, a ne u neprekidnoj potrazi za uzbuđenjima, krije se najveća životna mudrost.''
Šopenhauer je za mene jedan od onih retkih mislilaca kojima vreme nije uspelo da oduzme snagu. Njegova razmišljanja ne pripadaju samo devetnaestom veku; ona pripadaju svakome ko je makar jednom zastao usred života i zapitao se zašto nas ono što smo toliko želeli često ne usreći onoliko koliko smo verovali da hoće.
Oduvek sam bila slaba na reflektivnu književnost, na knjige koje ne podižu glas, već šapuću. One koje ne nude utehu kroz lepe iluzije, već kroz iskren pogled u ljudsku prirodu. Upravo zato se njegovoj filozofiji vraćam iznova. Ona me ne uznemirava, već smiruje. Svaka stranica mi donosi novi uvid, kao da neko polako skida slojeve prašine sa ogledala kroz koje posmatram i sebe i svet.
Posebno me je osvojila knjiga „Paraneze i maksime“, jer nije napisana kao hladan filozofski traktat, već kao razgovor sa čovekom koji želi da živi promišljenije.
To nisu pravila koja zahtevaju slepu poslušnost, niti mudrosti koje se čitaju jednom i zaboravljaju. To su misli kojima se vraćate onda kada život postane bučan, kada ljudi postanu naporni ili kada izgubite osećaj pravca.
Svaka kratka celina deluje jednostavno, a ipak u sebi nosi slojeve značenja koji se otkrivaju tek kada ih povežete sa sopstvenim iskustvom. Često sam se zatekla kako pročitam jednu jedinu stranicu i zatvorim knjigu, ne zato što nemam šta dalje da pročitam, već zato što imam o čemu dugo da razmišljam.
Ono što ovu knjigu čini toliko dubokom jeste činjenica da ona ne pokušava da promeni svet oko nas, već način na koji ga posmatramo.
Šopenhauer ne piše o velikim istorijskim događajima niti o apstraktnim teorijama udaljenim od svakodnevice. On govori o usamljenosti, prijateljstvu, taštini, bogatstvu, sreći, prolaznosti, ljudskim zabludama i miru koji nastaje tek kada prestanemo da očekujemo da će spoljašnji svet ispuniti ono što može nastati jedino u nama.
Njegove misli ponekad podsećaju na tiho svetlo sveće u mračnoj sobi – ne osvetljavaju odjednom čitav prostor, ali otkrivaju dovoljno da načinite sledeći korak bez straha.
Možda upravo zbog toga osećam da se ovoj knjizi ne prilazi kao romanu koji se pročita i odloži na policu. Ona postaje saputnik. Knjiga koju otvarate nasumično, u različitim životnim dobima, i svaki put pronađete neku novu rečenicu koja kao da je strpljivo čekala baš taj trenutak.
Za mene je to najveća vrednost književnosti – kada ne ostane samo na papiru, već se tiho nastani u čoveku i nastavi da živi zajedno sa njim.
''Ako nam neko s kim smo manje ili više prisno vezani, učini nešto nažao, onda nam ostaje samo da se upitamo da li on za nas toliko vredi da hoćemo da primimo od njega još koji put i češće to isto, i još malo pojačano, ili ne. (Oprostiti i zaboraviti znači stečeno dragoceno iskustvo baciti kroz prozor.)
U potvrdnom slučaju nema šta da se kaže: jer tu govor slabo pomaže; onda tu moramo, s opomenom ili bez nje, da pustimo stvar neka ide, ali treba da znamo da smo onda dobrovoljno pristali da je pretrpimo i drugi put.''
Šopenhauer je umeo da u svega nekoliko rečenica sažme ono što mnogi ne uspeju da izraze na stotinama stranica. Njegove misli ponekad zabole, ponekad uteše, ali gotovo nikada ne ostavljaju ravnodušnim. Upravo zato ova knjiga nije namenjena brzom čitanju. Ona traži tišinu, vreme i spremnost da joj se vraćate, jer se zajedno sa nama menjaju i značenja koja u njoj pronalazimo.
Artur Šopenhauer bio je nemački filozof i jedan od najuticajnijih mislilaca 19. veka. Njegova filozofija ostavila je dubok trag ne samo u filozofiji, već i u psihologiji, književnosti, umetnosti i proučavanju ljudske prirode. Mnogi kasniji autori, među kojima su Fridrih Niče, Sigmund Frojd i Lav Tolstoj, raspravljali su o njegovim idejama ili su bili pod njihovim uticajem.
U središtu njegovog razmišljanja nalazi se čovek i pitanje zbog čega ljudi, uprkos neprekidnoj potrazi za srećom, često ostaju nezadovoljni. Smatrao je da čovekom upravlja snažna unutrašnja volja – neprestana težnja za novim željama, ciljevima i postignućima.
Kada jednu želju ostvarimo, vrlo brzo se javlja sledeća, zbog čega trajno zadovoljstvo ostaje teško dostižno.
Iako ga mnogi nazivaju pesimistom, Šopenhauer nije želeo da obeshrabri ljude, već da ih podstakne na trezveniji pogled na život. Verovao je da najveći mir ne dolazi iz gomilanja zadovoljstava, već iz smanjenja patnje, razvijanja unutrašnje smirenosti i oslobađanja od nepotrebnih želja.
Posebno je cenio samoću, promišljanje, umetnost, muziku i saosećanje prema drugim ljudima, smatrajući da upravo kroz njih čovek može pronaći predah od svakodnevnih briga.
Njegova dela i danas privlače pažnju zato što se bave temama koje su bezvremene: ljudskim karakterom, odnosima, srećom, usamljenošću, prolaznošću i smislom života. Mnogi čitaoci u njegovim mislima pronalaze objašnjenja za obrasce ponašanja koje prepoznaju kod sebe i drugih, pa se njegova filozofija i više od jednog i po veka nakon njegove smrti i dalje smatra izuzetno aktuelnom.
''Jeste, svi smo, kako kaže Šiler, rođeni u Arkadiji – odnosno dolazimo na svet puni očekivanja da ćemo pronaći sreću i uživanje, iskreno verujući da nam pripadaju. Međutim, vrlo brzo dolazi sudbina, nemilosrdno nas suočava sa stvarnošću i pokazuje nam da ništa nije zaista naše, već da je sve prolazno i podložno promeni.
Jer sudbina polaže pravo ne samo na naše imanje i ono što smo stekli, već i na naše najbliže, na telo, zdravlje i sve ono što smatramo trajnim i sigurnim. Vremenom dolazi iskustvo koje nam otvara oči i pokazuje da su sreća i uživanje poput fatamorgane – privlačni dok ih posmatramo izdaleka, ali čim im se približimo, oni se udalje. Nasuprot tome, bol i patnja imaju svoju stvarnost; njima nisu potrebne ni iluzije ni nade da bi postojali.
Ako iz tog iskustva naučimo pravu lekciju, tada prestajemo da jurimo za srećom kao za nečim što će nas jednom zauvek ispuniti. Umesto toga, počinjemo da živimo mudrije, nastojeći pre svega da, koliko god je moguće, zatvorimo vrata bolu i patnji. Upravo u tom tihom nastojanju da sačuvamo unutrašnji mir, a ne u neprekidnoj potrazi za uzbuđenjima, krije se najveća životna mudrost.''
Šopenhauer je za mene jedan od onih retkih mislilaca kojima vreme nije uspelo da oduzme snagu. Njegova razmišljanja ne pripadaju samo devetnaestom veku; ona pripadaju svakome ko je makar jednom zastao usred života i zapitao se zašto nas ono što smo toliko želeli često ne usreći onoliko koliko smo verovali da hoće.
Oduvek sam bila slaba na reflektivnu književnost, na knjige koje ne podižu glas, već šapuću. One koje ne nude utehu kroz lepe iluzije, već kroz iskren pogled u ljudsku prirodu. Upravo zato se njegovoj filozofiji vraćam iznova. Ona me ne uznemirava, već smiruje. Svaka stranica mi donosi novi uvid, kao da neko polako skida slojeve prašine sa ogledala kroz koje posmatram i sebe i svet.
Posebno me je osvojila knjiga „Paraneze i maksime“, jer nije napisana kao hladan filozofski traktat, već kao razgovor sa čovekom koji želi da živi promišljenije.
To nisu pravila koja zahtevaju slepu poslušnost, niti mudrosti koje se čitaju jednom i zaboravljaju. To su misli kojima se vraćate onda kada život postane bučan, kada ljudi postanu naporni ili kada izgubite osećaj pravca.
Svaka kratka celina deluje jednostavno, a ipak u sebi nosi slojeve značenja koji se otkrivaju tek kada ih povežete sa sopstvenim iskustvom. Često sam se zatekla kako pročitam jednu jedinu stranicu i zatvorim knjigu, ne zato što nemam šta dalje da pročitam, već zato što imam o čemu dugo da razmišljam.
Ono što ovu knjigu čini toliko dubokom jeste činjenica da ona ne pokušava da promeni svet oko nas, već način na koji ga posmatramo.
Šopenhauer ne piše o velikim istorijskim događajima niti o apstraktnim teorijama udaljenim od svakodnevice. On govori o usamljenosti, prijateljstvu, taštini, bogatstvu, sreći, prolaznosti, ljudskim zabludama i miru koji nastaje tek kada prestanemo da očekujemo da će spoljašnji svet ispuniti ono što može nastati jedino u nama.
Njegove misli ponekad podsećaju na tiho svetlo sveće u mračnoj sobi – ne osvetljavaju odjednom čitav prostor, ali otkrivaju dovoljno da načinite sledeći korak bez straha.
Možda upravo zbog toga osećam da se ovoj knjizi ne prilazi kao romanu koji se pročita i odloži na policu. Ona postaje saputnik. Knjiga koju otvarate nasumično, u različitim životnim dobima, i svaki put pronađete neku novu rečenicu koja kao da je strpljivo čekala baš taj trenutak.
Za mene je to najveća vrednost književnosti – kada ne ostane samo na papiru, već se tiho nastani u čoveku i nastavi da živi zajedno sa njim.
''Ako nam neko s kim smo manje ili više prisno vezani, učini nešto nažao, onda nam ostaje samo da se upitamo da li on za nas toliko vredi da hoćemo da primimo od njega još koji put i češće to isto, i još malo pojačano, ili ne. (Oprostiti i zaboraviti znači stečeno dragoceno iskustvo baciti kroz prozor.)
U potvrdnom slučaju nema šta da se kaže: jer tu govor slabo pomaže; onda tu moramo, s opomenom ili bez nje, da pustimo stvar neka ide, ali treba da znamo da smo onda dobrovoljno pristali da je pretrpimo i drugi put.''
Šopenhauer je umeo da u svega nekoliko rečenica sažme ono što mnogi ne uspeju da izraze na stotinama stranica. Njegove misli ponekad zabole, ponekad uteše, ali gotovo nikada ne ostavljaju ravnodušnim. Upravo zato ova knjiga nije namenjena brzom čitanju. Ona traži tišinu, vreme i spremnost da joj se vraćate, jer se zajedno sa nama menjaju i značenja koja u njoj pronalazimo.
February 28, 2018
treba stalno imati pred očima dejstvo vremena i promenljivost stvar,te pri svemu što se sad događa, odmah zamisliti njegovu suprotnost.treba sebi živo predočiti u sreći nesreću,u prijateljstvu neprijateljstvo,u ljubavi mržnju,u poverljivosti izdajstvo. pametan je onaj koga ne vara prividna stabilnost, i koji još uz to,predviđa pravac koji će promena zauzeti. što ljudi,po pravilu smatraju privremeno stanje stvari kao stalno, to dolazi otuda što imaju pred očima dejstva ali ne razumeju uzroke, a baš ovi poslednji nose u sebi klicu budućh promena,dok dejstvo,koje za njih postoji jedino, ne sadrži ništa od onoga. oni se drže dejstava i pretpostavljaju da uzroci koji su im nepoznati, kada su mogli proizvesti ta dejstva, biće u stanju i da ih održe.
February 12, 2012
More classic essays from Schopenhauer. In the public domain, with a free electronic copy here.
April 5, 2023
Chapter 1 - General Rules :
The happiest lot is not to have experienced the keenest delights of the greatest pleasures, but to taste brought life to a close without any very great pain, bodily or mental.
We should not require a great many things in order to be happy.
Our life is like a journey on which, as we advance, the landscape takes a different view from that which it presented at first, and changes again, as we come nearer.
Chapter 2 - Our relation to ourselves:
Limitations always make for happiness.
Present is the only real time.
Living in seclusion is great but only for someone with great intellect. We should have no expectations from others.
In case of any misfortune thinking about it only makes matters worse. We should try to avoid this.
We often try to banish the gloom and despondency of the present by speculating upon our chances of success in the future; which is a illusion and inevitable to be shattered.
Self-control - To submit yourself to reason is the way to make everything else submit to you.
Chapter 3- Our relation to others:
Being our true self. Even if we show a different self, our true nature will come out sooner or later.
Two persons may do the same thing with a different result. The outcome of this is originality. Not, better or lesser.
Politeness is a virtue we should follow. Even in a hot temper situation.
The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace.
Chapter 4- Worldly Fortune:
Chance and luck so play a role in our life. But, Life is like a game of dice, where is the number that turns up is not precisely the one you want, you can still contrive to use it equally.
We should be prepared for misfortune as it might happen to us anytime. So in the good time think of what it would be it would have been bad and in the bad think of what it would have been if it was good so to make yourself become more aware.
It is not ferocity but cunning that strikes free into the heart and forebodes danger; so true is that the human brain is a more terrible weapon than a lion's paw.
Chapter 5- The Ages of Life:
The chief result garbed by experience of Life is clearness of view
When we are young years pass by slowly and as we get old they pass by more and more quickly.
He is no more beset with the idea that there is any particular account of happiness anywhere, in the palace is in the courage, any more than he himself enjoys when he is free from bodily or mental pain.
The main goal of the writings of Arthur Schopenhauer is to tell us why we should be and act like a intellectual. Take decisions with a conscious mind. Tho his writings are harsh at times towards others, still with facts to.
The happiest lot is not to have experienced the keenest delights of the greatest pleasures, but to taste brought life to a close without any very great pain, bodily or mental.
We should not require a great many things in order to be happy.
Our life is like a journey on which, as we advance, the landscape takes a different view from that which it presented at first, and changes again, as we come nearer.
Chapter 2 - Our relation to ourselves:
Limitations always make for happiness.
Present is the only real time.
Living in seclusion is great but only for someone with great intellect. We should have no expectations from others.
In case of any misfortune thinking about it only makes matters worse. We should try to avoid this.
We often try to banish the gloom and despondency of the present by speculating upon our chances of success in the future; which is a illusion and inevitable to be shattered.
Self-control - To submit yourself to reason is the way to make everything else submit to you.
Chapter 3- Our relation to others:
Being our true self. Even if we show a different self, our true nature will come out sooner or later.
Two persons may do the same thing with a different result. The outcome of this is originality. Not, better or lesser.
Politeness is a virtue we should follow. Even in a hot temper situation.
The tree of silence bears the fruit of peace.
Chapter 4- Worldly Fortune:
Chance and luck so play a role in our life. But, Life is like a game of dice, where is the number that turns up is not precisely the one you want, you can still contrive to use it equally.
We should be prepared for misfortune as it might happen to us anytime. So in the good time think of what it would be it would have been bad and in the bad think of what it would have been if it was good so to make yourself become more aware.
It is not ferocity but cunning that strikes free into the heart and forebodes danger; so true is that the human brain is a more terrible weapon than a lion's paw.
Chapter 5- The Ages of Life:
The chief result garbed by experience of Life is clearness of view
When we are young years pass by slowly and as we get old they pass by more and more quickly.
He is no more beset with the idea that there is any particular account of happiness anywhere, in the palace is in the courage, any more than he himself enjoys when he is free from bodily or mental pain.
The main goal of the writings of Arthur Schopenhauer is to tell us why we should be and act like a intellectual. Take decisions with a conscious mind. Tho his writings are harsh at times towards others, still with facts to.
September 25, 2025
It should be noted that this review is on Project Gutenberg’s version Counsels and Maxims, by Arthur Schopenhauer, which does not seem to be listed on Goodreads.
This was an extraordinary work. At first, I thought it portrayed him as glum, reflective of that 1859 photo of him as grim, unsmiling and wild haired. And it did, to a point. But then when he beyond his views of pain and pleasure, he made some broad generalizations on the nature of man that, though not completely accurate, were at times fairly perceptive.
And when I say “the nature of man“, I mean that in the literal sense of the gender. At no time does he even attempt to look into the souls of women. Knowing what we know of his personality, his writing seems somewhat hypocritical. His personality was such that he was very rude and abrasive, even abusive. In other words, he was advocating “do as I say, not as I do“.
So, it is a flawed work when viewed from the 21st-century, it is out of date-but still worth reading.
This was an extraordinary work. At first, I thought it portrayed him as glum, reflective of that 1859 photo of him as grim, unsmiling and wild haired. And it did, to a point. But then when he beyond his views of pain and pleasure, he made some broad generalizations on the nature of man that, though not completely accurate, were at times fairly perceptive.
And when I say “the nature of man“, I mean that in the literal sense of the gender. At no time does he even attempt to look into the souls of women. Knowing what we know of his personality, his writing seems somewhat hypocritical. His personality was such that he was very rude and abrasive, even abusive. In other words, he was advocating “do as I say, not as I do“.
So, it is a flawed work when viewed from the 21st-century, it is out of date-but still worth reading.
February 21, 2026
The language is slightly dense, and I needed to read it slowly to process everything properly (as far as I could). Here’s a list of my key takeaways:
- Happiness lies in embracing that it is inherently challenging. So, the focus should primarily be on developing resilience.
- Real personal development happens in solitude, and one must make peace with it.
- One must learn to engage selectively within social settings.
- Learning to accept that people are flawed will aid in heightening harmony, reducing let downs, and intensify a pragmatic approach to life.
- The core values that make you who you are never alter.
- While it is okay to nurture desires and expectations, one must indulge in these while maintaining realistic standards.
- Every stage of a human life recalibrates priorities. One must learn to adapt likewise.
- Efforts don’t always guarantee success because life happens. The more flexible you are, the quicker you’ll bounce back from adversity.
- Emotions must be regulated to deal better with challenges.
- Happiness lies in embracing that it is inherently challenging. So, the focus should primarily be on developing resilience.
- Real personal development happens in solitude, and one must make peace with it.
- One must learn to engage selectively within social settings.
- Learning to accept that people are flawed will aid in heightening harmony, reducing let downs, and intensify a pragmatic approach to life.
- The core values that make you who you are never alter.
- While it is okay to nurture desires and expectations, one must indulge in these while maintaining realistic standards.
- Every stage of a human life recalibrates priorities. One must learn to adapt likewise.
- Efforts don’t always guarantee success because life happens. The more flexible you are, the quicker you’ll bounce back from adversity.
- Emotions must be regulated to deal better with challenges.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
An excellent read for all age groups ! Herein Schopenhauer shares with us his gems of wisdom and advice on how we can make our lives worth living by avoiding pain, and not by pursuing a thousand shadows of pleasures which in the end are sure to land us in disappointment and pain. The sane advice on various aspects of life are meant to be read and reflected upon slowly and not to be rushed through, and incorporated into one's own philosophy of living. Lucky will be the young and middle aged who come upon this little book and benefit from the discussion which will not only make their preset more livable but also help them to prepare for their golden years. As someone who is sailing through the last chapter of life, I found Schopenhauer in this volume as a great friend and torch bearer.
October 18, 2023
It's one of the better books I've read lately.
Schopenhauer strikes again with his "Old grandpa sharing you his wisdom TED talk approach." which is highly absorbable by the average book reader. With quotes from various philosophers, this book is much deeper for people with a background in philosophy.
What strikes me odd is that every time I read Schopenhauer, he manages to change my view on his philosophy.
While at first, I thought of him as an unhappy, old, grumpy guy, he turned out to be quite the opposite, his books tend to make you more satisfied with yourself.
While this could be used as a manual and a "self-help" book, I still think it's not cheap sophistry.
Schopenhauer managed to execute exactly what he wanted with this book.
Highly recommend it!
Schopenhauer strikes again with his "Old grandpa sharing you his wisdom TED talk approach." which is highly absorbable by the average book reader. With quotes from various philosophers, this book is much deeper for people with a background in philosophy.
What strikes me odd is that every time I read Schopenhauer, he manages to change my view on his philosophy.
While at first, I thought of him as an unhappy, old, grumpy guy, he turned out to be quite the opposite, his books tend to make you more satisfied with yourself.
While this could be used as a manual and a "self-help" book, I still think it's not cheap sophistry.
Schopenhauer managed to execute exactly what he wanted with this book.
Highly recommend it!
October 20, 2019
I was still student when I did read this book and his directness in criticism which was interpreted as pessimism but finally valued few years after his death proves the value of his ferocity in one's self conviction as a separate philosophy in which he was the sole master. I still have much to read from him in order to clarify his thinking and judgment.
July 4, 2026
This is one of the most practical philosophical books you could ever read. Though it is bit of a difficult read, due to it being translated from German, this is a must read, mainly for youngsters in their teens and 20s. The contents of the book may seem cynical and depressing, but it will help the reader to realize how transient everything in life is.
October 4, 2019
Good Book but especially the early half
Typical Schopenhauer wisdom. I enjoyed it except last chapter which is on experience of old age. Perhaps I am not old so could not relate with what Schopenhauer says.
Typical Schopenhauer wisdom. I enjoyed it except last chapter which is on experience of old age. Perhaps I am not old so could not relate with what Schopenhauer says.
May 17, 2024
I know it's a classic, but this book was just too pessimistic. And the author's attitude toward humanity was condescending in the extreme. I get the Dear Abby "Wake up and smell the coffee" attitude, but I'd advise the author, who is, alas, long-dead to wake up and smell the roses.
August 16, 2020
El amor en cada página.
November 29, 2020
Didn't finish, leave it at page 31. As I mentioned before, this book is quite hard for me to read, but the content is really inspiring.
December 26, 2020
Loved it.
March 6, 2023
I regularly re-read this book on an annual basis.
April 10, 2023
See my review on The Wisdom of Life as I read this and Counsels and Maxim together.
Read
August 8, 2023great read
August 9, 2023
An old and grumpy Schopenhauer gives advice about life. The main idea: stop chasing pleasures that always end badly, while keep avoiding sufferings that in fact may succeed from time to time.
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