Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher who lived in the 19th century. Although his main focus was on metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics, he also wrote extensively on human nature, including sexuality. While some of his ideas might seem outdated or even controversial, they can still offer valuable insights for modern-day erotic writers. In this blog post, we’ll look at some of Schopenhauer’s most important views on sexuality and explore how they can be applied to the art of erotic writing.
Sexual Desire and Suffering
For Schopenhauer, sexual desire is an expression of the will to live. It’s a fundamental, instinctive drive that we all share, regardless of gender or social status. However, he also believed that sexual desire is the cause of much human suffering. That’s because the object of desire is always something that we lack, something that we need to possess in order to satisfy our desire. Schopenhauer saw this as a fundamental contradiction between our will and our reason, and he believed that it leads to frustration, jealousy, and even violence. As an erotic writer, it’s important to keep this in mind and to explore not only the pleasures of sexual desire but also its darker side.
The Aesthetics of the Human Body
Schopenhauer was a great admirer of classical art, especially sculpture. He believed that the human body is the most beautiful object in the world, and he saw the eroticism of art as an expression of the transcendental will, a higher form of consciousness that goes beyond the individual. As an erotic writer, you can draw inspiration from Schopenhauer’s appreciation of the aesthetics of the human body and explore the ways in which desire can be expressed through words.
The Female Body and the Objectification of Women
Schopenhauer was notorious for his views on women. He believed that they were inferior to men in every way, intellectually, morally, and physically. He saw the female body as a mere object of male desire, and he believed that women are only interested in sex as a means to an end, namely reproduction. While these views are clearly outdated and sexist, they can still offer some insights into the relationship between the sexes. As an erotic writer, it’s important to be aware of the potential for objectification and to explore the ways in which desire can be both empowering and degrading.
The Importance of Imagination
Finally, Schopenhauer believed that the imagination is the key to understanding human nature. It’s through our imagination that we can experience the world outside of ourselves and connect with others on an emotional level. As an erotic writer, it’s essential to have a vivid imagination and to be able to convey the depth of human experience through your writing. Don’t be afraid to explore the darker side of sexuality or to challenge the norms of society.
Arthur Schopenhauer was a complex and controversial figure, but his ideas about human nature and sexuality can still offer valuable insights for modern-day erotic writers. By exploring the relationship between desire, beauty, and suffering, we can create more nuanced and realistic depictions of sexuality that go beyond the clichés of mainstream pornography. So, whether you’re writing for yourself or for a wider audience, remember to keep Schopenhauer in mind as a source of inspiration and guidance.
