Arthur Schopenhauer was an interesting German philosopher known for his dark views on life, especially about desire and suffering. He thought our motives come from an endless will, causing a cycle of wanting and disappointment.

His ideas have influenced psychology, literature, and art, making him a key figure in existentialism and philosophical pessimism. In his main work, “The World as Will and Representation,” he explains that our view of the world mirrors our desires and that true happiness cannot be achieved while we constantly pursue what we want.

Is he right?

He might have a point because we often feel pretty unhappy with life. We always want more, chasing after achievements and stuff that really doesn’t make us feel fulfilled. Is having more actually better, or could having less be the way to go?

As we hunt for more, we sometimes miss out on the simple pleasures around us. Maybe it’s time to rethink what true happiness really means. Instead of always going after the next big thing, we might discover that appreciating less can actually bring us more peace and joy.

In our quest for happiness, we usually go for material things and social status, thinking they’ll bring us joy. But as we pile these up, we often still feel empty and wonder if real happiness might come from having less. Looking at others who seem to have more can just make us feel worse, making it tough to enjoy what we already have.

In a world that promotes the idea that more equals success, we should consider whether embracing less might bring us greater satisfaction and joy.

Let’s say, If having less leads to more satisfaction, can we say the world would be a better place?

This shift in mindset suggests that true happiness might stem from simplified living and a focus on what truly matters in life, rather than the relentless pursuit of material wealth. 

As we find happiness in having less, fairness becomes essential in our communities, promoting cooperation and support instead of competition and jealousy. This change helps people feel appreciated for their actions rather than their belongings, resulting in stronger connections among members.

By focusing on fairness, we encourage kindness and respect, fostering a culture of sharing resources and knowledge. This teamwork not only improves our well-being but also strengthens our community, making us more robust when facing difficulties. In this friendly setting, relationships grow, and people can thrive emotionally and spiritually, building a society where everyone gains from shared values and equal chances.

Is less more?

A minimalist approach contrasts with abundance in areas like art and lifestyle. Instead of seeing less as a lack, it can be viewed as a choice that brings clarity and focus, leading to greater appreciation and satisfaction in our experiences.

I believe if we view it as a choice to have less, we can be happy. But if it’s not our choice to have less, then perhaps not.

What do you think?