The Essays On Human Nature

A devout believer in the supremacy of will over intellect, Arthur Schopenhauer developed a metaphysical theory that influenced such thinkers as Nietzsche, Wagner, Wittgenstein, and Freud. These six essays are drawn from the chapters entitled Zur Ethik and Zur Rechtslehre und Politik, which originated in the philosopher's Parerga, as well as from his posthumously published writings. More than any other work, On Human Nature offers an expression of Schopenhauer's views, including the depth of his interests, his biases, and his philosophy. Students of history and philosophy along with other readers will appreciate these lucid, accessible observations on government, free will and fatalism, character, moral instinct, and ethics. German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) reacted with pessimism to his idealistic predecessors, contending that human motivations derive from basic desires that can never be satisfied. His writings on psychology, ethics, and politics influenced such latter-day thinkers as Nietzsche, Wittgenstein, and Freud.