The Will To Live and Schopenhauer's philosophy

Philosophy has long been a guide for those seeking to live a more meaningful life, yet the vast amount of information available can often lead to confusion. To truly benefit from philosophy, it is essential to return to its core principles, such as the reflections of Arthur Schopenhauer and his concept of the will to live. Gaining a clear understanding of this profound idea can greatly enhance how we apply philosophy in our quest for purpose and fulfillment. This article will examine Schopenhauer’s philosophy, the notion of the will to live, and their importance in the philosophical pursuit of a more meaningful existence.

Key features of Schopenhauer’s philosophy

Arthur Schopenhauer’s philosophy is built around the concept of “will,” which he believed to be the driving force behind all existence. He saw the will as a blind, irrational energy that manifests itself in humans, animals, and even nature. According to Schopenhauer, human life is dominated by the constant striving and desires of this will, which often lead to suffering because satisfaction is fleeting. He argued that life is full of struggles and that the cycle of desire and fulfillment rarely leads to lasting happiness.

Another important aspect of Schopenhauer’s ideas is his emphasis on aesthetic experience as a way to escape the will’s demands. He believed that art, music, and beauty could provide a temporary relief from suffering by allowing individuals to transcend personal desires. He also admired Eastern philosophies like Buddhism and Hinduism, particularly their focus on overcoming attachment and desires as a pathway to inner peace.

Schopenhauer’s work contributed significantly to later philosophical and psychological thought. His ideas about the irrational aspects of human nature influenced thinkers like Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud. Ultimately, his philosophy presents a stark yet realistic view of human existence, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, compassion, and finding meaning beyond the endless pursuit of desires.

What is the will to live?

Schopenhauer’s view on the will to live is central to his philosophy. He believed that the will to live is a fundamental, powerful force that drives all living beings. For Schopenhauer, this will is blind and irrational, meaning it exists independently of logic or conscious thought. It is not a choice but an innate force that compels life to perpetuate itself. He argued that this will is the underlying essence of everything in existence, beyond just humans and animals. According to him, it operates unconsciously, influencing our desires, actions, and existence.

Schopenhauer described the will to live as the source of endless striving, which results in constant dissatisfaction. Since the will is eternal and insatiable, it keeps pushing individuals toward new desires and goals, creating a cycle of craving and temporary fulfillment. He suggested that this endless striving is the root cause of human suffering, as people rarely find lasting contentment. Therefore, Schopenhauer viewed the will to live as the core of existence but also as the source of pain and frustration that defines the human condition.

This example helps to demonstrate this philosophical perspective. A vivid instance of Schopenhauer’s view about the will to live can be seen in the instinctive behaviour of animals. Consider a bird tirelessly building its nest, branch by branch, despite facing adverse weather conditions and threats from predators. The bird’s actions seem to be driven not by forethought or reason but by a relentless inner drive to ensure survival and reproduction. Similarly, in the human realm, think of someone striving through immense hardships to achieve a secure and stable life, even when the struggle feels overwhelming or seemingly purposeless at times. These actions reflect an innate, almost unconscious force compelling beings to persist and sustain life in the face of continual challenges. Such examples illustrate how this internal force directs behaviours that often transcend immediate rationality, leading individuals to endure and overcome for survival.

Challenges to Schopenhauer’s view about the will to live

Many philosophers have objected to or rejected Schopenhauer’s view for various reasons. One common criticism is that his perspective on life and the human condition is overly negative and pessimistic. Critics argue that by focusing on suffering and struggle, Schopenhauer dismisses many of the positive aspects of existence, such as joy, love, and achievement. They believe his view paints an incomplete and one-sided picture of life by failing to account for the full spectrum of human experiences.

Another objection is that Schopenhauer’s emphasis on the “will” as the ultimate driving force behind all existence can feel overly deterministic. Some philosophers argue that this approach denies human freedom and creativity by reducing life’s meaning to blind, instinctual drives. Critics suggest that this neglects the capacity for humans to act based on reason, moral values, or personal goals, which can go beyond the impersonal mechanics of the will.

Additionally, some thinkers question the universality of Schopenhauer’s claims. They argue that his ideas are deeply rooted in his own subjective experiences and cultural influences, making it difficult to apply them to humanity as a whole. Critics also point out that there are diverse perspectives on what drives people, including theories emphasizing love, social bonds, or intellectual pursuits, rather than the purely survival-driven instinct Schopenhauer describes.

What is the “Other” in the Age of AI? Otherness and the AI Other
By Bradley Murray / Instagram / X

Furthermore, Schopenhauer’s solutions to the human condition, such as asceticism and renouncing desires, have also faced resistance. Philosophers question whether such solutions are practical or desirable for most people. Living a meaningful life without engaging with desires or the material world contradicts how many individuals experience fulfillment and purpose.

Overall, while Schopenhauer’s arguments have influenced existentialism and modern philosophy, they remain controversial. Philosophers who reject his views believe life cannot be entirely reduced to a bleak struggle, and they advocate for a more balanced and diverse understanding of human existence. These critiques highlight the complexity of interpreting the driving forces behind life and the variety of paths to meaning and fulfillment.

Why the will to live is important to Schopenhauer’s philosophy

These are some of the main reasons why grasping the concept of the will to live is essential to comprehending Schopenhauer’s philosophy.

The Will to Live as a Universal Drive

The philosophical idea of the will to live highlights a deep, universal force that shapes all living beings. This concept underlines that life itself is driven by a fundamental, instinctive desire to survive and procreate. It serves as a lens through which we can understand behaviour not only in humans but also in animals and plants. By acknowledging this shared instinct, the idea fosters a sense of connection between all forms of life, helping to explain motivations that extend beyond rational or conscious thought. This perspective makes it easier to grasp why individuals make certain choices or respond instinctively in life-threatening situations.

The Will to Live and Human Suffering

The idea of the will to live is important for understanding the presence of suffering in human life. It suggests that much of human striving comes from a deep, unconscious will that cannot be fully satisfied. This drive causes people to continually search for ways to fulfill desires, yet often leads to frustration, disappointment, or emotional pain. By focusing on this idea, we can begin to see why suffering is such a recurring theme in human existence. It provides insight into the struggles individuals face and the way these struggles stem from forces that are beyond their conscious control.

The Will to Live and Inner Conflict

The will to live brings attention to a powerful source of inner conflict within individuals. On one hand, it propels people to seek pleasure, success, and survival, often at all costs. On the other hand, it can clash with higher aspirations or rational thoughts that aim for peace, detachment, or spiritual fulfillment. This tension between instinctive will and conscious thought creates a complex inner landscape. Understanding this conflict helps to make sense of why people often act against their best interests or struggle to align their actions with their values. It highlights the challenges of balancing instinct and intellect in daily life.

Contrasting Schopenhauer’s philosophy with Alfred North Whitehead

Arthur Schopenhauer’s concept of the “will to live” and Alfred North Whitehead’s process philosophy showcase distinct approaches to understanding existence and reality. Schopenhauer viewed the “will to live” as an irrational, all-pervasive force driving human behavior and the natural world, often leading to suffering. His focus was on the individual’s internal struggles with this will, portraying life as a constant tension between desire and dissatisfaction. Whitehead, however, approached reality from a broader, more optimistic perspective. He emphasized process and change, seeing the universe as a network of interconnected events in perpetual evolution. Whitehead focused on creativity and the unfolding of possibilities rather than a singular driving force.

The differentiator lies in their perspectives on existence. While Schopenhauer placed emphasis on overcoming the will through detachment and introspection, Whitehead celebrated the dynamism and interconnectedness of life. Where Schopenhauer’s philosophy often feels rooted in the challenges of existence, Whitehead highlighted the creativity and potential inherent in the process of becoming. This makes Schopenhauer’s philosophy feel more introspective and personal, while Whitehead’s seems outward-looking and universal. Their approaches underscore diverging views of reality—one as a struggle against the will, the other as a celebration of creative process.

The Will To Live, Schopenhauer’s philosophy and the meaning of life

Reflecting on any philosophical perspective, including Schopenhauer’s, can serve as a valuable tool for deeper self-discovery and introspection. While you may or may not agree with his views, engaging with his ideas offers an opportunity to think critically about your own life, its purpose, and the driving forces behind your actions. This process encourages you to pause and question what truly motivates you. Are your choices influenced by an inner sense of meaning, or are you simply following a patterned routine without reflection? Such questions can help uncover areas where genuine fulfillment might be lacking.

Thinking about Schopenhauer’s reflections on life allows you to confront the complexities of human existence head-on. Life, as we experience it, is not free of struggle, challenges, or moments of despair. Becoming aware of these realities, instead of shying away from them, gives you the strength to approach life more authentically. By confronting the nature of desire, ambition, and human connection, you are prompted to focus on what holds the most value for you personally. Engaging with these ideas, even if you don’t fully agree, can enrich your perspective and offer insights into navigating life’s difficulties with greater resilience.

There’s also practical wisdom in considering philosophical ideas like Schopenhauer’s. They can sharpen self-awareness, which is crucial for living intentionally. When you begin to reflect more deeply on notions of purpose and meaning, you can align your decisions more closely with your values and priorities. This ultimately helps you create a life that feels more genuine and rewarding, building a foundation of lasting satisfaction rather than fleeting enjoyment. Even if you doubt some of Schopenhauer’s darker perspectives, engaging with philosophy in this way challenges you to think about personal growth and what it means to live a meaningful life on your own terms.

At its core, reflecting on such perspectives isn’t about accepting or rejecting any single idea. It’s about using those ideas as a springboard for personal exploration. Philosophy invites you to question, analyze, and reimagine how you live. By doing so, you can develop your own philosophy of life—one informed by thoughtful consideration and aligned with both your individual values and aspirations.

The Will To Live and Schopenhauer’s philosophy