8 Rules Of Schopenhauer To Be Happy
Schopenhauer’s rules for being happy emerged from the theories of the German philosopher who is known for his pessimism. His ideas revolved around the theory that we humans lived in one of the possible worlds in which happiness was nothing more than an artificial illusion.
In fact, after the philosopher’s death, a manuscript was found between his notes and personal effects entitled The Art of Being Happy . Strangely enough, despite the pessimistic ideas he defended during his lifetime, in these notes he had developed and enumerated a number of rules designed to avoid unnecessary suffering and thus achieve a certain happiness.
1. Let us avoid comparisons in order not to sink into envy
The first of Schopenhauer’s rules for being happy is based on avoiding the feeling of envy. According to Schopenhauer, envy is a very negative emotion and experiencing it plunges us into a state of dissatisfaction. This can distract us from happiness because we are making comparisons with others who put us on a lower level.
Therefore, in order to avoid this suffering, it is better to limit ourselves to avoiding comparison, since every person is different and we should accept each individual’s situation.
2. Let’s not worry about bad results
Another of Schopenhauer’s rules for being happy teaches us to accept failures due to possible wrong decisions we have made in developing a project. That is why the Gdańsk philosopher encourages us in his script to make every effort at all times so that we do not have to feel bad about a bad result, because we will have done our best to achieve it.
3. Let us follow our instincts at all times
Schopenhauer was aware that there are very creative people and also very logical people. This makes some people more dedicated to action and others more to contemplation. In short, this rule of happiness teaches us to let our instincts guide us so that we can be ourselves and get to know each other better.
4. Don’t depend on others for happiness
The fourth of Schopenhauer’s rules for being happy instructs us to make happiness dependent only on us. That way, we cannot be disappointed by other people, and neither will decisions beyond our control affect our state of mind.
5. Don’t overestimate ourselves
If we are aware of our limits and do not allow ourselves to be carried away by expectations that are too high, we will not feel overwhelmed when we cannot meet them. Let us therefore think about the situation we are in and what goals we can achieve. It’s not that we’re not allowed to dream, but it is the thoughts that are adapted to our possibilities that make us feel really good.
6. Let us be in control of our expectations
With the help of Schopenhauer’s rules for being happy, we can learn to adjust both our expectations and our desires. With this in mind, we can prevent exaggerated expectations of a project or person from becoming a possible cause of unhappiness. In short, this rule is based on a more realistic view of our lives and knowing how to overcome obstacles in an appropriate manner.
7. We value what we have
When it comes to happiness, it is important to know how to look beyond our material possessions. Not only will this prevent us from feeling envious as we mentioned in the first point, but it will also help us to appreciate more what is really important in our life. With that in mind , we can build better relationships with our friends or family by giving them the meaning they really mean.
8. Let’s pay more attention to the present
The last of Schopenhauer’s rules for being happy relates to the time in which we ponder our past and our future. If we get lost while pondering the problems of the past, it will not do us any good because we must accept that the choices we have made cannot be changed.
On the other hand , spending too much time dreaming about the future can lead to unhappiness if we experience that our expectations and longings are not met. That is why we want to enjoy the gift that the present gives us.
