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
The real meaning of persona is a mask, such as actors were accustomed to wear on the ancient stage; and it is quite true that no one shows himself as he is, but wears his mask and plays his part. Indeed, the whole of our social arrangements may be likened to a perpetual comedy; and this is why a man who is worth anything finds society so insipid, while a blockhead is quite at home in it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote discusses the concept of persona, suggesting that people hide their true selves behind masks in social settings.
Arthur Schopenhauer reflects on the nature of human interactions, suggesting that individuals often conceal their true identities behind societal roles or personas, much like actors on a stage. He observes that this performance leads to a hollow experience for those who possess deeper insights, making social interactions feel trivial and unfulfilling for the thoughtful, while the less reflective individuals may find comfort and satisfaction in the same social contexts.
Themes
PersonaMaskIdentitySocietyPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion about authenticity in relationships, this quote can illustrate how people often hide their true selves.
More from Arthur Schopenhauer
All quotes →To be shocked at how deeply rejection hurts is to ignore what acceptance involves. We must never allow our suffering to be compounded by suggestions that there is something odd in suffering so deeply. There would be something amiss if we didn't.
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Almost all of our sorrows spring out of our relations with other people.
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Life is full of troubles and vexations, that one must either rise above it by means of corrected thoughts, or leave it.
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Our religions will never at any time take root; the ancient wisdom of the human race will not be supplanted by the events in Galilee. On the contrary, Indian wisdom flows back to Europe, and will produce a fundamental change in our knowledge and thought.
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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.
Arthur SchopenhauerRead
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