Nineteenth century philosopher. Schopenhauer argued that we are aware of the the nature of the things-in-themselves was only perceptible as aspects of will; and as such the phemomenal world is essentially a manifestation of will. The effect of this is to ensure that suffering is the essential characteristic of existence, a view that was to prove a strong influence on such figures as Thomas Hardy. The only relief postulated by Schopenhauer lay in a denial of will and the self altogether.
See other PhilosophersAndBrigands.