Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860), in his main work "The World as Will and Representation" (from which the two texts that make up the edition are drawn: "On the Affirmation of the Will for Life" and "On the Minimality and Suffering of Life"), rejects all previous philosophical tradition that saw the world as a "world", that is, as a universe characterized by order and beauty, which owes its existence and composition to a reasonable creative act. According to his own diagnosis, the deepest essence of reality is, on the contrary, a "blind" will, completely irrational, impersonal, without any end or purpose. In such a reality, human happiness is impossible, and its pursuit is nothing but delusion and pure vanity. Within human life, this cosmic will accepts itself through the execution of the generative act. Thus, the tragic cycle of birth, the constant oscillation of man between pain and boredom, is renewed every time... with death as its outcome.

Thanks to their simplicity and conciseness, the texts in this edition are an excellent example of both reflection and Schopenhauer's unique style. The reader has the opportunity to admire the sharp critical spirit, to be entertained by the caustic observations, but also to feel the deep pessimism of the philosopher's worldview, who wants to show him how the world is, in order to free him from common illusions and their consequences.