Arthur Schopenhauer, who remained productive as a writer of philosophical works until his death in 1860 at age 72, was known for his appreciation of solitude. He never married and maintained a disciplined daily routine of writing, reading, and walking. For Schopenhauer, the ability to be alone was actually a mark of intellectual and spiritual richness. He believed that those with inner resources—cultivated minds, intellectual interests—would never truly feel lonely because they could find satisfaction in their own thoughts, reading, and contemplation.
His advice for older individuals dealing with isolation would likely include:
- Cultivating self-sufficiency: Schopenhauer argued that the more a person has within themselves, the less they need from the external world. He saw society as often disappointing and full of suffering, so developing the capacity to enjoy one's own company was essential. This becomes especially important in old age when social circles naturally contract.
- Intellectual pursuits: He emphasized that engaging with great works of art, literature, and philosophy could provide companionship of the highest order—communion with great minds across time. This was far superior to most actual human company, in his view.
- Accepting the human condition: Schopenhauer's philosophy acknowledged that suffering and isolation are inherent to existence. Rather than fighting this reality, he suggested a kind of resignation—not bitter, but clear-eyed acceptance that life involves pain and that others cannot truly alleviate our fundamental aloneness.
That said, Schopenhauer also recognized compassion as the basis of morality, so he wouldn't dismiss genuine human connection entirely—he just thought most people sought company for the wrong reasons (distraction, vanity) rather than genuine connection.
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