Meaning: Arthur Schopenhauer, a 19th-century German philosopher, is known for his pessimistic view of life and his emphasis on the concept of suffering. The quote "There is no doubt that life is given us, not to be enjoyed, but to be overcome; to be got over" reflects Schopenhauer's belief that life is inherently filled with suffering and that the purpose of life is to overcome this suffering rather than to find enjoyment or fulfillment.

Schopenhauer's philosophy was heavily influenced by Eastern thought, particularly by the teachings of Buddhism and Hinduism. He believed that life is characterized by a fundamental sense of dissatisfaction and suffering, and that human desires and attachments only serve to perpetuate this suffering. In his view, the pursuit of pleasure and enjoyment is ultimately futile, as it does not lead to lasting fulfillment.

Instead, Schopenhauer argued that the key to a meaningful life lies in the ability to transcend the suffering inherent in existence. He advocated for a path of renunciation and detachment, suggesting that by overcoming our desires and attachments, we can free ourselves from the cycle of suffering and achieve a state of inner peace and contentment.

Schopenhauer's philosophy also revolved around the concept of the "will," which he saw as the driving force behind human actions and the source of much of our suffering. He believed that the will is insatiable, constantly seeking satisfaction and leading to a perpetual state of striving and longing. According to Schopenhauer, the will is the root cause of human suffering, and it is only through a conscious effort to overcome and transcend the will that we can hope to find relief from our existential struggles.

In the context of the quote, Schopenhauer is expressing the idea that life is not meant to be a source of unending enjoyment or pleasure. Instead, he suggests that life presents us with challenges and obstacles that must be overcome. This perspective aligns with his overall philosophy, which emphasizes the need to confront and transcend the inherent suffering of existence.

Schopenhauer's pessimistic outlook on life has been both criticized and admired. While some have found his philosophy to be overly bleak and nihilistic, others have appreciated his insights into the human condition and the nature of suffering. His ideas have had a lasting impact on existentialist thought and continue to influence philosophical discussions about the meaning of life and the nature of human existence.

In summary, Arthur Schopenhauer's quote encapsulates his belief that life is not about seeking constant enjoyment or fulfillment, but rather about facing and overcoming the challenges and suffering that are inherent in existence. His philosophy offers a unique perspective on the human experience and invites reflection on the nature of desire, suffering, and the pursuit of meaning in life.