Chat 51: Nietzsche vs. Schopenhauer: Does Suffering Hinder Us or Refine Us?

One encounters misfortunes and challenges; what do we do? Do we try to numb the pain and seek comfort, or do we confront it and move forward in life? In Chat 51, we will discuss both Schopenhauer's and Nietzsche's conceptions of suffering. Discussion Points: 1. Your name, mentioning a stand-up comedian you favor; if you don't enjoy this form of entertainment, why? 2. Viewing existence as fulfilling endless desires—does this make life enjoyable or a constant suffering? 3. Is suffering an alien intrusion upon existence, or an integral part of it? 4. Is pain a misfortune or a teacher? 5. Is retreating into oneself and immersing in the arts an escape from confrontation or a practical action? 6. When shaping general social structures, would you prefer focusing on the weak, or providing opportunities for the exceptional to succeed? 7. Why do we find Nietzsche's philosophy more widespread than Schopenhauer's? English Literature Department