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Full Idea
As the subject of willing I am an exceedingly wretched being, and all our suffering consistd in willing, ...but as soon as I am absorbed in knowledge, I am blissfully happy and nothing can assail me.
Gist of Idea
As the subject of willing I am wretched, but absorption in knowledge is bliss
Source
Arthur Schopenhauer (Manuscript remains [1855], I p.137), quoted by Peter B. Lewis - Schopenhauer 4
Book Ref
Lewis, Peter B.: 'Schopenhauer' [Reaktion Books 2012], p.90
A Reaction
So the source of his pessimism is subjection to his own will. However, since becoming absorbed in knowledge is an easy task for a scholar, he has little to grumble about. Nietzsche mocked the great pessimist for playing the flute every day.
21924 | As the subject of willing I am wretched, but absorption in knowledge is bliss [Schopenhauer] |
21915 | To deduce morality from reason is blasphemy, because it is holy, and far above reason [Schopenhauer] |
21916 | Philosophers can't be religious, and don't need to be; philosophy is perilous but free [Schopenhauer] |