8 Of Schopenhauer’s Rules For Being Happy

After the philosopher’s death, a manuscript was actually found among his notes and personal belongings. It was titled The Art of Being Happy . Curiously, despite the pessimistic ideas he defended throughout his life, he developed, in these notes, a set of rules for becoming happy.

They can help a person avoid suffering. He wanted people to achieve a certain state of joy.

1. The first of Schopenhauer’s rules for getting happy: Avoid comparisons to avoid getting jealous

The first rule is based on envy. According to Schopenhauer , envy is a very negative emotion, and it immerses us in a constant state of dissatisfaction if we experience it.

Envy will lead us away from joy. Moreover, comparisons with others will make us doubt ourselves. To avoid this disorder, therefore, it is best for us to avoid comparisons as every person is different. We have to accept the situation of every individual.

2. Do not worry about poor results

Another of Schopenhauer’s rules for being happy  teaches us to accept defeat based on the possible bad decisions we have made. That is why the German philosopher encourages us to always do our best. That way, we will not feel bad about a bad result because we are always trying our best.

3. Always follow your instincts

Schopenhauer was aware that there are very creative people who are also logical. This means that some people dedicate themselves more to action and others to consideration. In short, this rule teaches us that we must allow ourselves to be carried away by our instincts in order to be ourselves and know ourselves better.

4. The fourth of Schopenhauer’s rules for being happy: You do not have to depend on anyone else to be happy

This fourth rule of being happy teaches us to count only on ourselves. Therefore, we will not feel depressed by other people or by decisions that are beyond our control. We should not let others influence our mood.

5. Do not overestimate your desires

Being aware of our limitations, and not letting ourselves be carried away by unrealistic desires, will allow us not to feel overwhelmed if we are unable to fulfill them.

We must therefore think about what situation we are in and the goals that are available to us. That does not mean we can not dream. It simply means that we should adapt our options.

6. Have control over your expectations

We should learn to adapt to our expectations, as well as our desires. That way, we will be able to avoid having exaggerated expectations for a project or person. In short, this rule is based on having a more realistic perspective on life and knowing how to deal with obstacles in a more appropriate way.

7. Appreciate what you have

When it comes to being happy, it is essential to know how to see other than one’s material possessions. It will not only prevent us from experiencing envy, as we have mentioned in the first point, but it will also help us to better appreciate the things that really matter.

In doing so , we can have better relationships with our friends and family by attaching to them the importance they truly deserve. 

8. The last of Schopenhauer’s rules for being happy: Dedicate more attention to the present

The last rule is related to the time we spend thinking about our past and our future. It will not benefit us in any way to think about the problems of the past.

Furthermore, we have to accept that we cannot change the decisions we have made in the past. On the other hand, spending too much time dreaming about the future can lead to unhappiness. Therefore, we should just enjoy the present.