The life of every individual, if we survey it as a whole and bring out only its most significant features, is...

The life of every individual, if we survey it as a whole and bring out only its most significant features, is really always a tragedy; but gone through in detail, it has the character of a comedy.

Arthur Schopenhauer, 1788–1860

By the same author and on kindred topics.

To estimate how happy a man is, one should ask not what pleases him, but what troubles him.

Arthur Schopenhauer, 1788–1860
Solitude is the lot of all outstanding minds.

Arthur Schopenhauer, 1788–1860
What a man is in himself, what accompanies him when he is alone, what no one can give or take away, is more essential to him than everything he has or what he may be in the eyes of others.

Arthur Schopenhauer, 1788–1860
What moves man is the striving to exist; but when his existence is assured, he knows not what to do with it.

Arthur Schopenhauer, 1788–1860
The two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom.

Arthur Schopenhauer, 1788–1860
The safest way of not being very miserable is not to expect to be very happy.

Arthur Schopenhauer, 1788–1860

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The life of every individual, if we survey it as a whole and bring out only its most significant features, is really always a tragedy; but gone through in detail, it has the character of a comedy.

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