Volume 1 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.

Is Love an Illusion ? What is the relationship between Love and Sexual Impulse ? Schopenhauer gives us a new way of thinking about relationships between men and women.

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One of the greatest philosophers of the nineteenth century, Schopenhauer (1788-1860) believed that human action is determined not by reason but by 'will' - the blind and irrational desire for physical existence. This selection of his writings on religion, ethics, politics, women, suicide, books and many other themes is taken from Schopenhauer's last work, Parerga and Paralipomena, which he published in 1851. These pieces depict humanity as locked in a struggle beyond good and evil, and each individual absolutely free within a Godless world, in which art, morality and self-awareness are our only salvation. This innovative - and pessimistic - view has proved powerfully influential upon philosophy and art, directly affecting the work of Nietzsche, Wittgenstein and Wagner among others.

""The World as Will and Idea"" Volume 2, authored by the influential German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, continues his groundbreaking exploration of metaphysics and philosophy. Building upon the foundation laid in Volume 1, Schopenhauer delves deeper into his theory that the essence of reality is governed by an underlying force he terms ""will."" In this volume, he further examines the nature of human consciousness, the dynamics of desire and suffering, and the interconnectedness of all existence. Schopenhauer's penetrating analysis challenges conventional understandings of reality, offering profound insights into the human condition and the mysteries of the universe. With eloquent prose and rigorous philosophical inquiry, Volume 2 expands upon Schopenhauer's comprehensive worldview, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of existence and the perennial quest for meaning. This volume stands as a testament to Schopenhauer's intellectual prowess and enduring influence in the realms of philosophy and metaphysics.