JOURNAL ARTICLE

COMPASSIONATE CURMUDGEON: Why we must root ourselves in the real world.

  • Published In: American Scholar, 2026, v. 95, n. 1. P. 118 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: ZARETSKY, ROBERT 3 of 3

Abstract

The article reviews a biography of Arthur Schopenhauer, highlighting his philosophy and life as a prominent figure in pessimism. Schopenhauer, who struggled to gain recognition during his lifetime, emphasized the importance of independent thinking, or Selbstdenken, and critiqued the idealism of contemporaries like G. W. F. Hegel. Despite his solitary nature and bleak outlook on life, Schopenhauer advocated for compassion and ethical treatment of others, becoming an abolitionist and reform advocate. The biography presents a nuanced view of Schopenhauer, illustrating the complexity of his character and the relevance of his ideas in contemporary discussions on suffering and compassion. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:American Scholar. 2026/01, Vol. 95, Issue 1, p118
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0003-0937
  • Accession Number:189378003
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