Single Idea 4177

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / e. Death]

Full Idea

Perhaps no one at the end of his life, if he gives the matter sober consideration and is, at the same time, frank, ever wishes to live it over again; he more readily chooses non-existence.

Gist of Idea

Most people would probably choose non-existence at the end of their life, rather than relive the whole thing

Source

Arthur Schopenhauer (The World as Will and Idea [1819], IV.59)

Book Reference

Schopenhauer,Arthur: 'The World as Will and Idea', ed/tr. Berman,Jill and David [Everyman 1995], p.204


A Reaction

Hence Nietzsche's doctrine of 'eternal return' (Gay Science §341, idea 2936). From Schopenhauer it is just bleak pessimism, but from Nietzsche it is a wonderful challenge to live, perhaps the best ever.

Related Ideas

Idea 2936 Imagine if before each of your actions you had to accept repeating the action over and over again [Nietzsche]

Idea 19346 Most people facing death would happily re-live a similar life, with just a bit of variety [Leibniz]