Single Idea 21916

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 1. Philosophy]

Full Idea

No one who is religious attains to philosophy; he does not need it. No one who really philosophizes is religious; he walks without leading-strings, perilously but free.

Gist of Idea

Philosophers can't be religious, and don't need to be; philosophy is perilous but free

Source

Arthur Schopenhauer (Manuscript remains [1855], II p.241-3), quoted by Peter B. Lewis - Schopenhauer 3

Book Reference

Lewis, Peter B.: 'Schopenhauer' [Reaktion Books 2012], p.68


A Reaction

This is a direct reply to the opposite view expressed by Schleiermacher (and quoted by Lewis). I would say that to be a philosopher one must give priority to the philosophy, ahead of any religious beliefs. Thinking must be free.