Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, unfortunately, didn’t have much to offer us in his consolations about death, but, more importantly, he succeeded in helping us believe that life was worth living, even if this was somewhat unintended; he was a nihilist through and through.
Philosopher David Bather Woods, in his new book Arthur Schopenhauer: The Life and Thought of Philosophy’s Greatest Pessimist, chronicles Schopenhauer's life and thought in a manner resembling a parable. The reclusive philosopher barely existed but nonetheless lived a life fuller, both in thought and deed, than most of us can hope for. Paradox crops up so frequently in the book that it makes one wonder if it’s the fullest expression of a life well-lived, even when it takes the form of extreme avoidance.
Schopenhauer’s wisdom, to me, is most applicable to gifted children and young adults, who struggle with living up to expectations and actualizing their innate abilities. Reading Bather Woods’ biography, I knew that many past and present patients would identify with it. Arthur addressed fame, recognition, honor, and meaning; additionally, he indirectly addressed indecision by how he lived and the choices he made around his vocation.
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