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.

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 essay is from Schopenhauer final work, Parerga und Paralipomena, published in 1851. From this article, readers could see that this philosopher prefers the power of personal will and independent and rational deliberations, rather than the tendency to act on irrational impulses. He studied how to arrange life to achieve the highest degree of happiness and success.

Drawn from Parerga and posthumously published works, these six essays offer an accessible approach to the author's philosophy. Topics include government, free will and fatalism, character, moral instinct, and ethics.

"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. "