We can come to look upon the deaths of our enemies with as much regret as we feel for those of our friends, namely, when we miss their existence as witnesses to our success.
Arthur SchopenhauerRead
Optimism is not only a false but also a pernicious doctrine, for it presents life as a desirable state and man's happiness as its aim and object. Starting from this, everyone then believes he has the most legitimate claim to happiness and enjoyment. If, as usually happens, these do not fall to his lot, he believes that he suffers an injustice, in fact that he misses the whole point of his existence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Schopenhauer critiques optimism for misleading people about the nature of happiness and existence.
In this quote, Schopenhauer argues that optimism is a harmful doctrine because it falsely portrays life as inherently desirable and happiness as the ultimate goal. This belief can lead individuals to expect happiness as their right, and when they inevitably face disappointment, they may feel victimized by life, missing the deeper understanding of existence and suffering that is more aligned with reality.
Themes
OptimismHappinessPhilosophyLifeSuffering
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the pitfalls of unrealistic expectations in life.
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