Arthur Schopenhauer

The world is just a dream, but a very bad one.

Approx. 19th Century — Attributed, reflecting his consistent worldview, though the exact wording is difficult to source dir…

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Reading is merely a substitute for thinking for oneself.

1851 — Parerga and Paralipomena, Vol. II, Chapter 24, 'On Reading and Books'

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The more we are ourselves, the less we resemble others.

1851 — Parerga and Paralipomena, Vol. I, 'Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life'

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The intellect is a mere tool in the service of the will.

1818/1819 — The World as Will and Representation, Vol. I, Book II, § 20

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The highest degree of world-weariness is when one has no longer any wish for anything.

1818/1819 — The World as Will and Representation, Vol. I, Book IV, § 54

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The truth is that we are all born mad. Some remain so.

Approx. 19th Century — Attributed, though the exact phrasing is often linked to Samuel Beckett, similar sentiments about hu…

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The pleasure of life is fleeting; the pain of life is lasting.

1818/1819 — The World as Will and Representation, Vol. I, Book IV, § 56

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All religions are born of fear and are the children of darkness.

Approx. 19th Century — Attributed, though not a direct quote, his critiques of religion often convey this sentiment.

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The world is nothing but my representation.

1818/1819 — The World as Will and Representation, Vol. I, Book I, § 1

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There is only one inborn error in us, and that is the notion that we exist in order to be happy.

1851 — Parerga and Paralipomena, Vol. I, 'Aphorisms on the Wisdom of Life'

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The only truly happy people are children and idiots.

Approx. 19th Century — Attributed, a common paraphrase of his idea that consciousness brings suffering, often found in disc…

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Sayings by Arthur Schopenhauer