The influence of the theory of the will developed by Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) has not always been acknowledged by those who had imitated his ideas. More often than not, other thinkers have quietly adopted Schopenhauer’s insights without giving him credit. Max Stirner (1806-1856) belongs to the next generation and wrote “The Ego and Its Own” in 1845. It is a fact that Stirner published his work twenty-seven years after Schopenhauer had brought out “The world as will and representation,” but had he read Schopenhauer? In view of the small sales of Schopenhauer’s books, I would not assume that Stirner was familiar with Schopenhauer’s work and terminology. Stirner’s conception of the will is narrower and harsher than Schopenhauer’s. While Schopenhauer views the will as a single force responsible for all actions in the cosmos, Stirner focuses on the concept of “unique individual” or “unique ego.” In contrast to Schopenhauer, Stirner rejects the existence of a universal will. As a general principle, he contests that higher forces govern reality and calls for individuals to prioritize their own desires and interests; he regards those desires and interests as superior to society’s moral code. Just as Schopenhauer had done, Stirner employs the term “the will,” but he means something else. Stirner is referring to the assertion of individual desires and interests over and above the constraints imposed by society. Schopenhauer had described the will as an overwhelming, irrational force that rules the world. Stirner is defining the will in a completely different manner. Stirner’s “unique individual” is someone who remains loyal to his own convictions, placing them above ideologies, institutions, morality and religion. In contrast to the universality of Schopenhauer’s concept of the will, Stirner’s concept is individualistic. Stirner regards the will as the engine of self-realization and self-assertion, not as a force that pushes individuals to act against their own interests. When it comes to morality, Stirner’s ideas are very different from Schopenhauer’s. As a remedy for stress, anxiety, and frustration provoked by the will, Schopenhauer had spoken in favour of the Christian virtues of empathy and compassion. In contrast, Stirner took a negative view of altruism and duty, and called for individuals to prioritize their self-interest. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauers-theory-of-the-will-compared-to-other-philosophers/

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