Arthur Schopenhauer

Article abstract: In the tradition of Immanuel Kant, Schopenhauer developed a pessimistic system of philosophy based upon the primacy of will.

Early Life

Arthur Schopenhauer was born on February 22, 1788, in the Hanseatic city of Danzig, then under nominal control of Poland. His father, Heinrich, was an affluent merchant of Dutch aristocratic lineage, cosmopolitan in outlook and republican in politics. After Danzig lost its freedom to Prussia in 1793, he moved his family and business to Hamburg. Schopenhauer’s mother, Johanna, also of Dutch descent,...

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