The World as Will and Idea (Vol. 3 of 3)

Supplementary essays elaborate a metaphysical system that identifies an underlying will as the thing in itself, while portraying intellect as a subordinate, representational faculty. They examine how that will objectifies itself in unconscious nature, matter, teleology, instinct and the biological will to live, and consider consequences for death, heredity, sexual attraction and suffering. Aesthetic chapters investigate how music, poetry, architecture, painting and sculpture disclose or mask the will, and discuss genius, madness and the limits of knowledge. Final sections develop ethical consequences, including the doctrine of denying the will, proposed routes to salvation, and a concluding abstract and epilogue.