The ordinary method of education is to imprint ideas and opinions, in the strict sense of the word, prejudices, on the mind of the child, before it has had any but a very few particular observations. It is thus that he afterwards comes to view the world and gather experience through the medium of those ready-made ideas, rather than to let his ideas be formed for him out of his own experience of life, as they ought to be.
Arthur SchopenhauerReligion is the masterpiece of the art of animal training, for it trains people as to how they shall think.
Arthur SchopenhauerThe reason domestic pets are so lovable and so helpful to us is because they enjoy, quietly and placidly, the present moment.
Arthur SchopenhauerWhatever torch we kindle, and whatever space it may illuminate, our horizon will always remain encircled by the depth of night.
Arthur SchopenhauerIf you want to know your true opinion of someone, watch the effect produced in you by the first sight of a letter from him.
Arthur SchopenhauerOptimism is not only a false but also a pernicious doctrine, for it presents life as a desirable state and man's happiness as its aim and object. Starting from this, everyone then believes he has the most legitimate claim to happiness and enjoyment. If, as usually happens, these do not fall to his lot, he believes that he suffers an injustice, in fact that he misses the whole point of his existence.
Arthur Schopenhauer