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
In order to increase his pleasures, man has intentionally added to the number and pressure of his needs, which in their original state were not much more difficult to satisfy than those of the brute. Hence luxury in all its forms; delicate food, the use of tobacco and opium, spirituous liquors, fine clothes, and the thousand and one things that he considers necessary to his existence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Schopenhauer suggests that human desires have escalated beyond basic needs, leading to unnecessary luxuries.
Arthur Schopenhauer reflects on the nature of human desires and pleasures, asserting that in the pursuit of satisfaction, individuals have artificially inflated their needs. Originally, satisfying basic desires was simple, akin to that of animals; however, as society evolved, so did the complexity of human desires. This has resulted in an insatiable craving for luxuries like fine foods and substances, which complicates life rather than simplifying it.
Themes
DesireLuxuryNeedsPleasureSatisfaction
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophical discussion on modern consumerism and its impact on happiness.
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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, the narrowness of their views and of the number of their errors. Whoever attaches a lot of value to the opinions of others pays them too much honor.
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