We can come to look upon the deaths of our enemies with as much regret as we feel for those of our friends, namely, when we miss their existence as witnesses to our success.
Arthur SchopenhauerRead
All religions promise a reward beyond life, in eternity, for excellences of the will or heart, but none for excellences of the head or understanding.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that religions emphasize moral and emotional virtues over intellectual achievements.
Arthur Schopenhauer's quote critiques the inherent bias in religious doctrines, noting that they often celebrate moral and emotional qualities such as willpower and compassion while neglecting the importance of intellectual pursuits. This perspective highlights a common theme in religious teachings: the promise of a reward in the afterlife for those who excel in virtue, but a lack of recognition for those who contribute through their intellect and understanding.
Themes
ReligionMoralityIntellectPhilosophyUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophical discussion about the role of religion in society.
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Life is full of troubles and vexations, that one must either rise above it by means of corrected thoughts, or leave it.
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Our religions will never at any time take root; the ancient wisdom of the human race will not be supplanted by the events in Galilee. On the contrary, Indian wisdom flows back to Europe, and will produce a fundamental change in our knowledge and thought.
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We will gradually become indifferent to what goes on in the minds of other people when we acquire a knowledge of the superficial nature of their thoughts, the narrowness of their views and of the number of their errors. Whoever attaches a lot of value to the opinions of others pays them too much honor.
Arthur SchopenhauerRead
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