Philosopher. He is recognized as a 19th century German philosopher who was considered the maximum exponent of the philosophical movement known as Irrationalism, in opposition to the logical characteristics of Hegelian thought. He graduated with a doctorate degree in Philosophy at the University of Jena in 1813, however he was interested in medicine as a young student, attending undergraduate courses in physical sciences, mathematics, chemistry, anatomy, physiology. He was an assiduous traveler and spoke fluent English and Italian languages. He was good friend of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Richard Wagner, and yet he is remembered for his misanthropy. In 1820 he obtained the chair of Philosophy at the University of Berlin, but the contrast with Hegel caused a lack of attention to his lessons. Being the son of a wealthy business, he never had to work for an income. During the last years of his life, his world view (Weltanschauung) was oriented toward the pessimism. According to some historians of Philosophy, the main reason for this pessimism was the reading of the works, and the assimilation of the thought of the Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi. He has written numerous essays, including "Ueber die Wurzel des vierfache Satzes vom zureichenden Grunde", "Die Welt als Wille und Vorstellung", "Parerga und Paralipomena. His writings influenced later existential philosophy and Freudian Psychology. He was a prolific author, writing on varying subjects from politics, morals and religion, the metaphysical, women, the arts, music, and other subjects. He wrote about his hostility to women and remained celibate throughout his life. Considered his most recognized writings, he wrote in English a two-volume piece with over a thousand pages called “The World as Will and Idea,” which was first published in 1818. He was called ” The first European Buddhist.” He died from respiratory failure while finishing a writing dealing with peace while dying. He was honored with his image on German currency in the early 20th century and a postal stamp in 1988.

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