From “Will to Life” to “Will to Power”: The Evolution of Schopenhauer’s Philosophy Through Nietzsche

The philosophies of Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche present a fascinating journey through the exploration of human motivation and desire. Schopenhauer initiated the journey with his concept of the “Will to Life”, but it was Nietzsche who took it to new horizons, transforming it into the “Will to Power”.

**Introducing the Philosophers**

Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche are two pillars of Western philosophy, with their philosophies profoundly influencing countless thinkers, artists, and writers. Both grappled with the most fundamental questions of human existence, but their answers, as we will see, took them down very different philosophical paths.

Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860), a central figure of German post-Kantian philosophy, was a philosopher of pessimism. He believed that life was characterized by suffering and that our desires, which are never fully satisfied, drive our actions. This concept was encapsulated in his notion of the “Will to Life”. Born in a mercantile family, Schopenhauer’s exposure to diverse cultures from a young age fostered a deep sense of curiosity and a desire for understanding, leading him to the philosophical inquiries that would shape his life.

On the other hand, Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900), a philosopher, cultural critic, and philologist, is perhaps best known for his profound influence on modern intellectual history. Nietzsche agreed with Schopenhauer’s view that life was full of suffering, but he disagreed on how to respond to this. Instead of a “Will to Life,” Nietzsche proposed the “Will to Power” as the primary driving force of human behavior. Born into a family of Lutheran ministers, Nietzsche’s early exposure to theological discourse, combined with his later experiences as a professor and his ongoing health struggles, significantly influenced his philosophical outlook.

### The Genesis: Schopenhauer’s “Will to Life”

Schopenhauer argued that humans are primarily driven by a primal, unconscious force: the “Will to Life”. This will manifests itself through our desires and needs. According to him, we do not desire things because we have reasoned that they are good or beneficial, but rather we reason that things are good or beneficial because we desire them.

An illustrative example lies in our dietary choices. As adolescents, we might crave fast food — not because we reason it’s healthy or beneficial, but simply because we desire it.

### The Transition: Nietzsche’s “Will to Power”

Nietzsche, influenced by Schopenhauer, reinterpreted this “Will to Life” into the “Will to Power”. As we grow and learn, our desires evolve. As we accumulate knowledge and experience (through the proverbial “10,000-hour rule”), our cravings for fast food may give way to a desire for healthier choices like fruits and vegetables. This transition represents a shift from desiring what provides immediate satisfaction to what benefits us in the long term, from the “Will to Life” to the “Will to Power”.

Similarly, in relationships, the inexperienced might prioritize looks, popularity, and societal approval. But as they gain experience (and perhaps endure a few breakups), their focus might shift towards philosophical alignment, a shared worldview, and emotional maturity. This evolution reflects the transition from an impulsive “Will to Life” to a more considered “Will to Power”.

### The Consequence: The Fulfillment vs Appreciation Paradox

In our pursuit of happiness, we often encounter a profound paradox. This paradox, which we’ll call the “Appreciation and Fulfillment Paradox,” is deeply intertwined with the wisdom of the ancient Stoics, who argued that suffering and personal experience are not merely unfortunate events to be avoided, but rather essential steps on the path to achieving true inner happiness.

The Stoics, a group of ancient philosophers who championed virtues like wisdom, courage, and temperance, believed that true happiness is not found in external goods or material wealth, but in the tranquility of mind that comes from understanding and accepting the world as it is. This tranquility, they argued, is not attainable without first facing and overcoming personal hardships, which build character and resilience and ultimately lead to a deeper appreciation of life.

Now, let’s consider those born into privilege. Often, they are shielded from many of the struggles and hardships that others face. On the surface, this might seem like an enviable situation. After all, who wouldn’t want a life free from hardships and struggle? But as Schopenhauer argued, desire and satisfaction create a cycle that leads to suffering. If you’re constantly fulfilled without effort or struggle, you might find yourself trapped in this cycle, always desiring more and never finding lasting satisfaction. This can lead to a life devoid of the deep appreciation that comes from overcoming adversity.

This raises a question: Are those born into comfort, the so-called silver spooners, at a disadvantage when it comes to achieving true happiness? Does the absence of personal struggle rob them of the opportunity to fully appreciate life? This question is a significant part of the “Appreciation and Fulfillment Paradox.” It highlights the counterintuitive idea that sometimes, it’s the challenges and difficulties we face that lead us to a richer, more fulfilling life. To gain a deeper appreciation of life, one must experience life in all its ups and downs, triumphs and failures, joys and sorrows.

In the end, understanding this paradox helps to illuminate the path to true inner happiness, reminding us of the importance of personal growth, resilience, and a deep appreciation of life’s journey, rather than its mere destinations.

**The Philosophers and Modern Psychology**

Schopenhauer’s and Nietzsche’s theories resonate strongly with modern psychology, particularly in understanding motivation, desire, and happiness. As we move through this discussion, we’ll see that their philosophies aren’t archaic thoughts of bygone eras, but remain deeply relevant to our contemporary understanding of human nature.

Schopenhauer’s “Will to Life” theory suggests that our actions are not driven by rational thought but by an inherent, unconscious will. This is a concept that finds parallels in modern psychology’s understanding of human motivation. Renowned psychologist Sigmund Freud echoed similar sentiments when he proposed the idea of the unconscious mind — a reservoir of feelings, thoughts, and urges that lie beyond our conscious awareness but that significantly influence our behavior. Like Schopenhauer’s will, these unconscious desires can often lead us towards suffering, as we grapple with unfulfilled desires and the reality of life’s hardships.

On the other hand, Nietzsche’s “Will to Power” can be likened to the psychological concept of self-actualization, as posited by psychologist Abraham Maslow. Self-actualization, the ultimate level in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, refers to the realization and fulfillment of one’s talents and potentialities. This drive for growth, improvement, and achievement is strongly reflective of Nietzsche’s “Will to Power” — the basic drive for expansion and expression of one’s creative potential.

Moreover, the philosophies of both Schopenhauer and Nietzsche shed light on our understanding of happiness. Schopenhauer’s idea that fulfillment of desires only leads to more desires, resulting in an endless cycle of suffering, mirrors the psychological concept of the “hedonic treadmill”. This theory posits that humans consistently return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative life changes. Like Schopenhauer’s philosophy, it suggests that the constant pursuit of desires may not lead to lasting happiness.

On the contrary, Nietzsche’s emphasis on self-overcoming and embracing life’s challenges reflects the concept of “eudaimonic happiness” in positive psychology. This form of happiness, unlike fleeting pleasure or joy, is associated with living in accordance with one’s true self, facing life’s struggles, and growing from them.

In conclusion, the philosophies of Schopenhauer and Nietzsche not only influenced their contemporary thinkers but continue to find echoes in our modern understanding of psychology. By revisiting their philosophies, we might gain valuable insights into the complexities of human motivation, desire, and the pursuit of happiness.