Arthur Schopenhauer's essays and maxims have surpassed the test of time because they are still relevant in the contemporary world. Schopenhauer had a tremendous life experience, and his essays analyzed human existence and its purpose. For instance, the reader realizes that Schopenhauer had firsthand experience with life. Schopenhauer's diligence on philosophical matters played a critical role in enabling him to develop life principles that govern human existence.
‘On Noise’
Schopenhauer discusses the significance of unity and its power. He illustrates his point using a big diamond and a concrete army. For instance, if a massive diamond is split into small pieces, it loses value. Similarly, if an army is scattered, it loses its power and can easily be defeated. Schopenhauer urges teachers to teach children the significance of unity in human life. The children should be taught the reality of life gradually to strengthen their minds and the ability to be critical thinkers.
‘On Reading and Books’
Schopenhauer argues that reading other people's books degrades a human's ability to be a critical thinker and make own judgment. According to Schopenhauer, when a person reads, he repeats the mental process of the author. Similarly, when a child learns to write, he exactly does what the teacher instructs him to do, but not by his own doing. Consequently, a person who spends the whole day reading loses the aptitude to think as an individual but thinks from the perspective of the different authors.
‘The Emptiness of the Existence’
Schopenhauer compares human life to a picture in a rough mosaic that must be looked at from a distance to ascertain its beauty. The author focuses on the vanities of life and the efforts human beings apply to achieve nonexistent material possessions. The paradox of life is that a man looks back and notices lost opportunities that he cannot recapture to improve his present. Therefore, Schopenhauer asks, 'What is the purpose of expectations in human life?' Consequently, the author reminds readers to optimize opportunities in their lives to avoid regretting in the future.
On Women, Thinking for Oneself, Religion and Metaphysics of love.'
On women, Schopenhauer argues that women pay the debt of life by incurring the pain of childbearing. In thinking for oneself, the human mind's value depends on personal development and individual judgment. On religion, Schopenhauer argues that people's way of worship must be respected, no matter how they conduct themselves. On the metaphysics of love, Schopenhauer expounds that not anything inventively stunning can survive without genuineness.
