Reading Ideas From the Essay, "The Wisdom of Life" Schopenhauer

Truth in its passage through the twisting maze which is human existence, has undergone an odyssey, a three-stage process of transformation: first it is ridiculed, then opposed passionately, and finally accepted as self-evident. It is the mind which moulds this journey, an able ally, an intimate person. A rich, pensive mind loves to be alone with itself and is never dull, whereas a mind devoid of reflection is always sad amidst the greatest company.

Hence, your health and disposition are of far greater importance to your happiness than all the external advantages that wealth or station can afford. Health is a blessing which nothing but itself can give. A sound wholesome beggar is happier than a sick prince with a palace at his command. Vanity, pride, and honour, are all founded upon as brittle a basis as whimsy, often from reason often from folly.

Vanity cries out for the approval of others, pride pants for self-esteem, inaccessible to the censure of others, and honour, a shadow's shadow, must be pursued as a valuable prize to preserve the dignity of one's name. But pure fame, which depends on the works of virtue, is of its very nature bright and unshakable as an oak. But, this same fame, as it were, when pursued independently of goodness, is an elusive ghost, without body or life.

The most important things in life are our brains and our ability to come up with new ideas. These are what truly make us happy. Some people only care about what they can see, but those who are curious and can imagine things see beauty everywhere. This inner world of ideas and thoughts brings a lasting joy that's much better than any praise we might get from others. Every challenge we face in life becomes more enjoyable when we overcome it. Most importantly, true happiness comes from enjoying simple things in life, having a healthy mind, and being strong in both our bodies and our spirits.

You want control over your life because you realize the world is probably unpredictable and wild. You will have to achieve this by realizing that true power does not reside in the recognition or fame of others but deep within your own mind. For sure, a mind nurtured by intellect and creative energies can act as a springboard to strength, finding amusement in solitude and viewing beauty with a profoundness not enjoyed by superficiality.

It is this inner strength that will give you lasting pleasure and will teach you to surf the inevitable ups and downs of life, which alternate between pain and boredom. Recall for yourself that a healthy beggar, whose mind is rich in thought, is far more powerful and content than an ailing prince imprisoned by his ailments and anxieties. Do not fall into the traps of vanity, pride, and honour, for they are constructed upon foundations that are but sand-their rewards quicksand. The real potency comes from training a mind and spirit that cannot be touched or toppled by others' capricious opinions.