In "World as Will and Idea, Vol. 2 of 3," Arthur Schopenhauer continues his exploration of the nature of reality and human existence. Building on the ideas laid out in the first volume, he delves deeper into his philosophy of the will as the driving force behind all human actions and desires.

Schopenhauer's writing is dense and complex, filled with references to various philosophical traditions and thinkers. However, for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards are great. His insights into the nature of consciousness, perception, and the self are thought-provoking and challenging, forcing readers to confront their own assumptions and beliefs about the world.

One of the most compelling aspects of Schopenhauer's work is his emphasis on the importance of art and aesthetics in understanding the human experience. He argues that art provides a unique window into the true nature of the world, allowing us to transcend the bounds of our individual wills and perceive a deeper, more universal reality.

Overall, "World as Will and Idea, Vol. 2 of 3" is a challenging but rewarding read for anyone interested in philosophy, psychology, or the nature of reality. Schopenhauer's insights are sure to provoke lively debate and contemplation, making this book a valuable addition to any intellectual library.

Book Description:
In this work, Schopenhauer explains his fundamental idea that at the root of the reality we see around us is a Will that eternally, insatiably seeks to be satisfied. Each human Subject observes the Objects around her from the perspective of that fundamental Will working within each person. The human observer is distracted by the details of life and individual distinctions that obscure this Will; only by penetrating this “principium individuationis” (which is enslaved by the cause-and-effect tyranny of the Principle of Sufficient Reason) can the observer perceive the essential Thing-In-Itself. Art has the power to make us see the Thing-In-Itself, the Platonic Idea freed from the individual particular manifestation of it, thus enabling us to transcend the individual Will and perceive something of true Reality. Perceiving the common Will in all humanity, we are able to come closer to an ego-less love based on that shared essence. Schopenhauer squarely faces the fact that existence is fundamentally suffering, but it would be simplistic to label him (as is so often done) as nothing but a pessimist. His affirmation of Art and Love is a transforming principle, having a powerful influence on writers such as Tolstoy. In the end, he chooses the Way of Negation as the path toward peace; by denying our Will, by silencing the many outbreaks of Will in our lives, we can approach the ultimate peace of annihilation that is the theme of the great Vedic philosophy of India, to which Schopenhauer admits his profound debt. ( Expatriate)