Nietzsche’s Schopenhauer

Abstract

<p>The chapter offers a critical analysis of Nietzsche’s objections to Schopenhauer’s philosophy. While the influence of Schopenhauer on Nietzsche is widely documented, the author’s intention here is to ask how Schopenhauer might respond to Nietzsche’s interpretation of his philosophy and his critical challenges and hence, ultimately, to assess the force of Nietzsche’s objections. The chapter considers Nietzsche’s central challenge, beginning with his account of <italic>Mitleid</italic> (compassion or pity) and, from there, opens out to the analysis of psychology, history, and the affirmation of life. It also considers two ways in which Nietzsche arguably steps out from under Schopenhauer’s influence: his “historical philosophy” and his style or philosophical attitude.</p>

Schopenhauer in Jack Londons The Sea-Wolf: A Comparative Analysis

“…The relationship between the two German philosophers, Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche, oftentimes could be seen as a "teacher-student" relationship, as widely believed by many. As Tom Stern puts it, "[t]here can be no doubt that, without Schopenhauer, there would have been no Nietzsche" [1]. In 1883, Nietzsche published Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None, a work discussing his renowned Übermensch concept (also translated as superman, or overman).…”