Reading Schopenhaurer's account of suffering was refreshing and surprising. Not a lot of philosophers write as he does, thus it was a refreshing read. I do think his points have some truth to them and should be considered to an extent. I think his points don't have to be fully realized but his perspective could be interpreted in a modern sense for incredible self reflection. For example, he mentions how "a certain amount of care or pain or trouble is necessary for every man at all times." While I think his point at its essence may be a little extreme, I think in a modernist approach, his insight could be vital for a inner self reflection. He is right that suffering is necessary for every man to an extent- at one point in every persons' life, they will encounter suffering. I wouldn't say its a necessity but rather an inevitable part of life that at one point in someone's life to a varying degree, they will encounter suffering. I would like to connect this back to Kant's point on his moral philosophy of good will. Some people could honestly be blessed with the lower degree of suffering and have many gifts of fortune but it is meaningless without a good will or the intent to do good in itself. I think despite what degree of suffering life throws at you, every person has a person and it is with good will that you suffer through or recognzie those good fortunes.
top of page
bottom of page