On the Suffering of the World

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On the Suffering of the World is a collection of Arthur Schopenhauer's later aphoristic writings, known for their incisive style and dark, pessimistic view of human existence. Edited by Eugene Thacker, this compilation gathers Schopenhauer's later works for the first time, showcasing a unique philosophy expressed in a singular style. Rejecting the dry, totalizing academic philosophy of his time, Schopenhauer's writings shift towards aphorisms, fragments, anecdotes, and observations, presented in a literary manner that is antagonistic, resigned, and confessional, reflecting the contours of an intellectual memoir. He poses challenging questions about the fate of humanity, the role of suffering, and the rift between self and world that defines human existence today. These writings resonate with later generations of artists, poets, musicians, and philosophers, embodying the pessimism of their era and perhaps our own. The collection includes an introduction that situates Schopenhauer's thought within its intellectual context and connects it to contemporary issues like climate change, the anthropocene, and the specter of human extinction. Additionally, the book features a bibliography and a chronology of Schopenhauer's life.