The Best the World Has to Offer: Schopenhauer’s Guide to a Tolerable Life

A lively introduction to Schopenhauer’s famously pessimistic philosophy—and the surprising ways it can make our lives less painful, more compassionate, and richer with insight

Arthur Schopenhauer was one of history’s greatest pessimists. The nineteenth-century philosopher held that suffering is essential to life, that humans are overwhelmingly selfish and cruel, and that optimism is a lie that misdirects our thoughts and actions. He wrote that “the best the world has to offer is a quiet, painless, tolerable existence”—and suggested that we should address others as “my fellow sufferers.” But, despite all that, as Colin Marshall’s inviting and engaging book reveals, Schopenhauer’s distinct brand of pessimism has a host of practical benefits—and it can be strangely liberating, inspiring, and even fun.

If we follow Schopenhauer’s pessimistic lead, and stop chasing the illusion of perfect happiness, we’ll be less shocked by life’s worst moments and we’ll gain the only thing of true value—insight into ourselves, others, and the world. If we accept irrationality and selfishness as the human norm, we’ll reduce grief and conflict and see moments of rationality and altruism as precious exceptions. If we pursue artistic and natural beauty, we’ll relieve our boredom and misery. And if we try to help our fellow sufferers, even if we fail, we’ll find meaning. In the end, Schopenhauer’s pessimism can bring us together in a community of clear-eyed realists who, laying down the burden of false optimism about the human condition, discover that we don’t collapse in despair but that our lives actually become easier and more contented.

Showing that Schopenhauer may be the philosopher for our troubled times, The Best the World Has to Offer is an ideal guide for making life, if not happy, at least more tolerable, insightful, and meaningful.