DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "The Essays of Arthur Schopenhauer; On Human Nature" by Arthur Schopenhauer. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

This edition originally published by Berghahn Books. Schopenhauer's treatise on ethics is presented here in E. F. J. Payne’s definitive translation, based on the Hubscher edition (Wiesbaden, 1946-1950). This edition includes an Introduction by David Cartwright, a translator’s preface, biographical note, selected bibliography, and an index. For convenient reference to passages in Kant's work discussed by Schopenhauer, Academy edition numbers have been added.

"These essays are a valuable criticism of life by a man who had a wide experience of life, a man of the world, who possessed an almost inspired faculty of observation. Schopenhauer, of all men, unmistakably observed life at first hand. There is no academic echo in his utterances; he is not one of a school; his voice has no formal intonation; it is deep, full-chested, and rings out its words with all the poignancy of individual emphasis, without bluster, but with unfailing conviction. He was for his time, and for his country, an adept at literary form; but he used it only as a means. "

One of the greatest philosophers of the nineteenth century, Schopenhauer (1788-1860) believed that human action is determined not by reason but by 'will' - the blind and irrational desire for physical existence. This selection of his writings on religion, ethics, politics, women, suicide, books and many other themes is taken from Schopenhauer's last work, Parerga and Paralipomena, which he published in 1851. These pieces depict humanity as locked in a struggle beyond good and evil, and each individual absolutely free within a Godless world, in which art, morality and self-awareness are our only salvation. This innovative - and pessimistic - view has proved powerfully influential upon philosophy and art, directly affecting the work of Nietzsche, Wittgenstein and Wagner among others.

In this classic treatise, Arthur Schopenhauer discusses the traits and character of the human being, including his will, morality and manner of social governance. On Human Nature is an overview of several philosophic views which Schopenhauer held. Dealing sequentially with aspects of human behavior, society and man's innate characteristics, we receive here a comprehensive profile of Schopenhauer's beliefs about the essential character of mankind. Schopenhauer first examines the society man has built around himself, the forms of government he has present to rule and organize a society's endeavors, and how these reflect upon his inner character. This is followed by a discussion of the opposing beliefs of free will and fatalism. In the former, man contends that he has utter control over his destiny, and is not beholden to fate. By contrast, the latter belief holds that human will is ultimately an illusion, and that one's own destiny and fate is predetermined. Next, Schopenhauer examines a series of human character traits - the various virtues, behaviors, and qualities demonstrated by a typical man are scrutinized. This part is followed by a discussion of human morality; deeds and actions which are considered good and commendable, and those thought immoral and wrong. Finally, Schopenhauer reflects on the ethical ramifications of aspects in human nature. Whether humans are capable of being honorable on a large scale, or whether things such as innocence can be considered good or ill, is contemplated. On Human Nature is distinguished for its accessibility; the translation to English by T. Bailey Saunders preserves the lively expression for which Schopenhauer was known. As such, this book is superb introduction to Arthur Schopenhauer's work, and as a supplementary resource for study of philosophy.

Brilliant and elegant in its treatment, Schopenhauer's 1839 essay on free will and determinism still remains relevant to modern readers. A useful introduction to the philosopher's work for students of philosophy or religion.