Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) devoted his whole life to intellectual pursuits. In particular, he gave extensive thought to their contribution to happiness. Schopenhauer outlined his philosophy in “The world as will and representation,” a book he published in 1818. The essential insight of the book is that the will (“life force”) is driving all living creatures to secure their own survival and reproduction. In addition, the will is pushing animals and humans to seek short-term pleasure without paying attention to cost, risks and consequences. The influence of the will on humans is harmful, pernicious and destructive. Intellectual pursuits are commendable when they help fight the negative influence of the will. I mean intellectual pursuits, studies and debates that render individuals self-aware, prudent, and self-reliant. Those intellectual pursuits vastly contribute to increasing happiness. In contrast, Schopenhauer discouraged intellectual pursuits that generate desires, goals and ambitions impossible to fulfil. Life is hard enough, he argued, to add pointless anxiety, stress, and frustration. In his essay collection “Parerga and Paralipomena” (1851), Schopenhauer gives many examples of worthy and unworthy intellectual pursuits. For instance, Schopenhauer held artistic contemplation in high regard (music, in particular), but showed little interest in politics, modern art, and organised religion. He did not regard the latter as worthy intellectual pursuits. Intellectual pursuits are futile, argued Schopenhauer, if they fail to contribute to alleviating suffering and increasing human happiness. If they don’t render human life better, those pursuits should be considered pointless. The examples in “Parerga and Paralipomena” warn people against the wrong intellectual pursuits. It is pointless to devote one’s efforts to acquiring worthless knowledge and skills. Life is too short for engaging in pointless undertakings, and pursuing clearly unworkable goals. What about intellectual pursuits in the fields of technology, science, and culture? Schopenhauer considered them beneficial and worth pursuing, but one should stay alert and focused. It is important to re-examine one’s objectives regularly, so that they remain aligned with increasing happiness and averting pain. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/schopenhauers-views-on-intellectual-pursuits/

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