100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Overnight NZ-wide delivery on in-stock orders πŸš€

Essays and Aphorisms

4.17 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 8,892 ratings, 419 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Essays and Aphorisms by Arthur Schopenhauer presents a collection of his profound reflections on life, art, ethics, and human nature. The book explores themes such as the nature of reality, the meaning of existence, and the human condition through Schopenhauer's incisive and often pessimistic lens. This work provides deep philosophical insights mixed with wit and sharp observations.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4600

International Supplier

This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 2-3 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy deep philosophical insights and thought-provoking reflections on human nature, society, and the intricacies of life. Schopenhauer's sharp wit and profound observations offer a unique perspective that challenges conventional thinking and invites readers to explore complex ideas with clarity and precision.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A selection of Schopenhauer's writings on religion, ethics, politics, women, suicide, books and other themes taken from his last work, "Parerga and Paralipomena". It depicts humanity as locked in a struggle beyond good and evil, and each individual absolutely free within a Godless world, in which morality and self-awareness are our only salvation.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Delve into the profound and thought-provoking world of Essays and Aphorisms by Arthur Schopenhauer, one of the most pivotal figures in nineteenth-century philosophy. Schopenhauer explores a variety of themes in this collection, providing profound insights into religion, ethics, politics, the nature of women, and much more. Rather than being driven by reason, Schopenhauer posits that human actions are compelled by 'will'β€”a blind and irrational force driving our very existence.

This compilation draws from Schopenhauer's Parerga and Paralipomena, his final significant work published in 1851. Throughout these essays and aphorisms, Schopenhauer paints a picture of humanity as entangled in a relentless struggle that transcends conventional notions of good and evil. In his view, each individual exists in a godless world, where art, morality, and self-awareness serve as the only means of redemption and salvation.

Schopenhauer’s pioneering and often bleak perspective left an enduring mark on both philosophy and the arts. His ideas significantly influenced notable thinkers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Ludwig Wittgenstein, among others. Through this juxtaposition of innovatory thoughts and disheartening realism, Essays and Aphorisms continues to challenge and inspire modern-day scholars and enthusiasts of philosophical discourse.

Schopenhauer's intricate exploration of the human condition, punctuated by his sharp wit and unflinching honesty, offers a provocative journey into the depths of existential inquiry. He unravels complex ideas about self-awareness, the futility of desires, and the ultimate quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Essays and Aphorisms is not just a collection of writings but a mirror reflecting the inner workings of the human mind and spirit in their rawest form.

Experience the enduring legacy of Schopenhauer's thought in Essays and Aphorisms, a work that remains as influential and relevant today as it was in the nineteenth century, continuing to shed light on the intricacies of human existence and the perpetual search for truth and understanding.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Essays and Aphorisms by Arthur Schopenhauer is praised for its profound insights into human nature, pessimism, and philosophy. Readers commend its clarity and Schopenhauer's wit, finding it thought-provoking and reflective. Some critiques mention the occasional dense prose but overall appreciate its lasting intellectual impact.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140442274

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 August 1976

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by R. J. Hollingdale

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 191g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Arthur Schopenhauer was born in Danzig in 1788 where his family, of Dutch origin, owned a respected trading house. Arthur was expected to inherit the business, but hated the work and in 1807, after his father's suicide and the sale of the business, he enrolled in the grammar school at Gotha. He went on to study medicine and science at Gottingen University and in 1810 began to study philosophy. In 1811 he transferred to Berlin to write his doctoral thesis, and began to write The World as Will and Idea, a complete exploration of his philosophy, which was finished in 1818. Although the book failed to sell, his belief in his own views sustained him through twenty-five years of frustrated desire for fame. During his middle life he travelled widely in Europe and in 1844 brought out a much expanded edition of his book, which after his death became one of the most widely read of all philosophical works. His fame was established in 1851 with the publication of Parerga and Paralipomena, a collection of dialogues, essays and aphorisms. He died in 1860. R.J. Hollingdale has translated works by, among others, Schopenhauer, Goethe, T.A. Hoffmann, Lichtenburg and Theodor Fontane, as well as eleven of Nietzsche's books, many for the Penguin Classics. He has published two books on Nietzsche and was Honorary President of the British Nietzsche Society until his death in 2003.

Also by Arthur Schopenhauer

View all
  • Essays and Aphorisms
    Schopenhauer believed that human action is determined not by reason but by willβ€”the blind and irrational desire for physical existence. These writings depict individuals struggling in a Godless world, in which art, morality, and self-awareness are our only salvation. One of the greatest philosophers of the nineteenth century, Schopenhauer (1788-1860) believed that human action is governed by will rather than...
    Hardback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The World as Will and Representation, Vol. 2
    Volume 2 of the definitive English translation of one of the most important philosophical works of the 19th century, the basic statement in one important stream of post-Kantian thought. This edition corrects nearly 1,000 errors and omissions found in the older Haldane-Kemp translation. For the first time, this edition of The World as Will and Representation, Vol. 2 translates and...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Philosophy & Psychology

View all
  • Eat Your Ice Cream
    New Release
    Eat Your Ice Cream
    The New York Times bestseller that presents a bold new vision for living well and ageing with purpose from a world-renowned health expert THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From a leading doctor and world-renowned health expert, the simple, uplifting and practical guide to cutting through the wellness noise, living well and ageing with purpose. β€˜Essential reading for anyone who...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    The Winner's Formula
    The Neuroscience of Peak Performance, Success, and Happiness Why do some people win all the time? Why do others languish? From Olympians to Formula 1 drivers, addicts to billionaires, cognitive neuroscientist Dr Kerry Spackman has spent decades working to help people understand how to succeed. In The Winner's Formula, Kerry explains what goes on in your brain when you are...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Man's Search For Meaning
    Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is a profound, thought-provoking memoir and psychological exploration that delves into the harrowing experiences of life in Nazi concentration camps, intertwined with the author’s groundbreaking theories on existential psychology. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering a beacon of hope and a roadmap for finding purpose...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Inside the Box
    How to do more with less and use limits to stimulate creativity, innovation and collaboration, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Range. We live in a world that gives us seemingly infinite choices and values freedom above all else. We have an unprecedented number of options regarding what to do, who to be and how to spend our time....
    Paperback
    $3000
    Elsewhere:
    $3900
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Atomic Habits
    Atomic Habits by James Clear is a transformative guide that demonstrates how tiny, incremental changes in behaviour can fundamentally reshape your life. Rather than urging sweeping transformations, Clear advocates for the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions. Whether it’s performing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes earlier, or making a brief, focused phone call, these minuscule adjustments,...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Body Keeps the Score
    The Body Keeps the Score by Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a compelling and compassionate exploration of the deep-seated impact of trauma on the human body and mind. This groundbreaking work delves into the complex causes of trauma and paints a vivid picture of the revolutionary treatments that are enabling countless individuals to reclaim their lives filled with purpose...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Tell Me Where It Hurts
    Leading expert Rachel Zoffness bridges the gap between medicine and psychology to get to the heart of treating pain We can move the dial on pain Every one of us will experience pain, be it back pain, the pain of childbirth, or living in an ageing body. Not a single one of us will escape. But what if everything you...
    Hardback
    $6500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Book of Awakening
    A new edition of the #1 NYT's bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called "one of the finest spiritual guides of our time" and "a consummate storyteller." Immerse yourself in The Book of Awakening, a compelling spiritual daybook by philosopher-poet and cancer survivor, Mark Nepo. This remarkable work is a profound manual for living a more deeply connected and...
    Paperback
    $3999
    Elsewhere:
    $4499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Strangers
    The must-read memoir of the end of a marriage and the start of a personal revolution, based on the iconic Modern Love essay in the New York Times and perfect for fans of Glennon Doyle. "A beautifully written eulogy for the loss of a relationship" β€” Joyce Carol Oates How do we go on when a loved one betrays us?...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $4000
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Strong Ground
    #1Β New York TimesΒ bestselling author BrenΓ© Brown returns with an urgent call to reimagine the essentials of courageous leadership. In a time when uncertainty runs deep and bluster, hubris and even cruelty are increasingly framed as acceptable leadership, Brown delivers practical, actionable insights that illuminate the mindsets and skill sets essential to reclaiming focus and driving growth through connection, discipline and...
    Hardback
    $4000
    Elsewhere:
    $5500
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Anxious Generation
    A powerful argument for reclaiming childhoodβ€”and all human relationshipsβ€”from the online world, from the influential social psychologist and international bestselling author. Jonathan Haidt has spent his career speaking truth and wisdom in some of the most difficult spacesβ€”communities polarised by politics and religion, campuses battling culture wars, and now the mental health emergency hitting teenagers today in many countries around...
    Paperback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Stimulated Mind
    A practical, empowering plan to boost your day-to-day brain function and prevent dementia - by a renowned neuroscientist and performance coach. 'From day one I was always blown away by Dr Tommy Wood's command of the science from which he communicates.' - Dr Peter Attia, bestselling author of Outlive- The Science and Art of Longevity 'As global health declines, Dr...
    Paperback
    $3800
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.