Meaning of life quote from Arthur Schopenhauer (Frankfurt)

"Man is the only animal that causes pain to others without any purpose other than to do so."

Arthur Schopenhauer, age 0 (1788 - 1860)

Frankfurt, Germany

April 13, 2026

This perspective on the meaning of life comes from Arthur Schopenhauer, based in Frankfurt, Germany. As a renowned thinker (1788 - 1860), their words continue to inspire people around the world.

Related Perspectives

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

— Friedrich Nietzsche, 0, Berlin, Germany

"Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end."

— Immanuel Kant, 0, Berlin, Germany

"really listening not waiting to talk"

— Kenta, 36, Munich, Germany

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet."

— Aristotle, 0, Athens, Greece

Explore More

Quotes from Germany

Discover more perspectives from this region

Perspectives from people in their Under 20

See how age shapes life's meaning

All Quotes

Browse the full collection of perspectives

View World Map

See all quotes on the interactive globe