Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) is known for his pessimism. Everything in the world is permeated with anxiety and uncertainty, and human destiny is filled with disappointment. Time mercilessly tramples any hopes. It is important to recognize this inevitability. One should meekly accept the excruciating pressure, renounce one’s own egoism, and treat others selflessly in order to learn to enjoy life. The great skeptic gives many recommendations for finding true joy.

The book’s compiler, Italian historian of philosophy Franco Volpi (1952–2009), has collected Schopenhauer’s most striking statements on the topic of happiness from published and manuscript sources.

The German philosopher’s fifty rules teach how, avoiding illusions, to look the present boldly and dispassionately in the eye. The past is immutable, the future is deceptive. Only here and now, through self-control, can one find the sought-after and elusive happiness.

Author: Arthur Schopenhauer
Publishing House: Polyandria No Age
Year: 2021
Number of pages: 119
Cover type: hardback
Translator: Mikhail Rudnitsky
Illustrator: Elena Ferrandis
Country of origin: Germany
Age group: 16+