Every new born being indeed comes fresh and blithe into the new existence, and enjoys it as a free gift: but there is, and can be, nothing freely given. It's fresh existence is paid for by the old age and death of a worn out existence which has perished, but which contained the indestructible seed out of which the new existence has arisen: they are one being.
Arthur SchopenhauerIn truth the most striking figure for the relation of the two is that of the strong blind man carrying the sighted lame man on his shoulders.
Arthur SchopenhauerWill without intellect is the most vulgar and common thing in the world, possessed by every blockhead, who, in the gratification of his passions, shows the stuff of which he is made.
Arthur SchopenhauerWe should comfort ourselves with the masterpieces of art as with exalted personages-stand quietly before them and wait till they speak to us.
Arthur SchopenhauerNo one knows what capacities for doing and suffering he has in himself, until something comes to rouse them to activity: just as in a pond of still water, lying there like a mirror, there is no sign of the roar and thunder with which it can leap from the precipice, and yet remain what it is; or again, rise high in the air as a fountain. When water is as cold as ice, you can have no idea of the latent warmth contained in it.
Arthur Schopenhauer