Quotes from Arthur Schopenhauer

Opinion is like a pendulum and obeys the same law. If it goes past the centre of gravity on one side, it must go a like distance on the other; and it is only after a certain time that it finds the true point at which it can remain at rest.

Sleep is the interest we have to pay on the capital which is called in at death; and the higher the rate of interest and the more regularly it is paid, the further the date of redemption is postponed.

The longer a man's fame is likely to last, the longer it will be in coming.

Necessity is the constant scourge of the lower classes ennui of the higher ones.

Religions are like fireflies. They require darkness in order to shine.

Satisfaction consists in freedom from pain, which is the positive element of life.

Life is a language in which certain truths are conveyed to us; if we could learn them in some other way, we should not live.

Any foolish boy can stamp on a beetle, but all the professors in the world cannot make a beetle.

Our first ideas of life are generally taken from fiction rather than fact.

The scenes of our life are like pictures done in rough mosaic. Looked at close, they produce no effect. There is nothing beautiful to be found in them, unless you stand some distance off.

It is only in the microscope that our life looks so big.

The shortness of life, so often lamented, may be the best thing about it.

It is only in the microscope that our life looks so big. It is an indivisible point, drawn out and magnified by the powerful lenses of Time and Space.

Each day is a little life.

Life to the great majority is only a constant struggle for mere existence, with the certainty of losing it at last.

Consciousness is the mere surface of our minds, of which, as of the earth, we do not know the inside, but only the crust.

The doctor sees all the weakness of mankind; the lawyer all the wickedness, the theologian all the stupidity.

The common man is not concerned about the passage of time, the man of talent is driven by it.

It is with trifles, and when he is off guard, that a man best reveals his character.

Want and boredom are indeed the twin poles of human life.

The truth can wait, for it lives a long life.

A good supply of resignation is of the first importance in providing for the journey of life.

There is no doubt that life is given us, not to be enjoyed, but to be overcome; to be got over.

Human life, like all inferior goods, is covered on the outside with a false glitter; what suffers always conceals itself.