It is the courage to make a clean breast of it in the face of every question that makes the philosopher. He must be like Sophocles' Oedipus, who, seeking enlightenment concerning his terrible fate, pursues his indefatigable inquiry even though he divines that appalling horror awaits him in the answer. But most of us carry with us the Jocasta in our hearts, who begs Oedipus, for God's sake, not to inquire further.
Arthur Schopenhauerthe brut first knows death when it dies, but man draws consciously nearer to it every hour that he lives; and this makes his life at times a questionable good even to him who has not recognised this character of constant anaihilation in the whole of life.
Arthur SchopenhauerAny foolish boy can stamp on a beetle, but all the professors in the world cannot make a beetle.
Arthur SchopenhauerEvery original idea is first ridiculed, then vigorously attacked, and finally taken for granted.
Arthur SchopenhauerTo be alone is the fate of all great mindsโa fate deplored at times, but still always chosen as the less grievous of two evils.
Arthur Schopenhauer