Meaning: The quote "Because people have no thoughts to deal in, they deal cards, and try and win one another's money. Idiots!" by Arthur Schopenhauer, a renowned philosopher, reflects Schopenhauer's critical view of the human tendency to engage in superficial and materialistic pursuits. This quote encapsulates Schopenhauer's belief that people often distract themselves with trivial activities, such as gambling, rather than engaging in deeper intellectual or philosophical pursuits.

Arthur Schopenhauer, born in 1788, was a German philosopher known for his pessimistic philosophy and his views on the nature of human existence. He was deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy, particularly Indian and Buddhist thought, and his works often explore themes of suffering, the will, and the nature of reality. Schopenhauer's philosophy is characterized by a profound skepticism about human nature and the pursuit of happiness.

In the quoted statement, Schopenhauer criticizes the frivolous and unproductive nature of gambling, which he sees as a manifestation of the shallowness and futility of human behavior. By suggesting that people engage in gambling because they have "no thoughts to deal in," Schopenhauer implies that they lack meaningful intellectual or spiritual pursuits and instead resort to trivial activities like gambling to fill the void.

The phrase "they deal cards, and try and win one another's money" highlights the competitive and acquisitive nature of gambling, emphasizing the materialistic and self-serving aspect of the activity. Schopenhauer's use of the word "idiots" at the end of the quote conveys his disdain for those who partake in such activities, suggesting that he views them as foolish and lacking in self-awareness.

Schopenhauer's critique of gambling can be understood within the broader context of his philosophical outlook. He believed that the pursuit of material wealth and transient pleasures ultimately leads to dissatisfaction and suffering. In his seminal work "The World as Will and Representation," Schopenhauer explores the concept of the "will" as the driving force behind human desires and actions, arguing that the endless striving for individual satisfaction is ultimately futile and leads to perpetual dissatisfaction.

From Schopenhauer's perspective, the preoccupation with gambling and the pursuit of monetary gain represents a superficial and misguided attempt to find fulfillment and meaning in life. By reducing human interaction to a mere exchange of money through games of chance, Schopenhauer suggests that people are neglecting the pursuit of higher intellectual and moral values, which he believed could lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.

It is important to note that Schopenhauer's criticism of gambling is just one aspect of his broader philosophical worldview. His writings encompass a wide range of topics, including aesthetics, ethics, and metaphysics, and his influence can be seen in the works of later philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud.

In conclusion, Arthur Schopenhauer's quote about people dealing cards and trying to win each other's money reflects his critical perspective on the superficial and materialistic pursuits that he believed characterized human behavior. By denouncing the preoccupation with gambling and the pursuit of monetary gain, Schopenhauer sought to highlight the shallowness of such activities and advocate for a deeper engagement with intellectual and spiritual pursuits as a means to find true meaning and fulfillment in life.