Arthur Schopenhauer in Venice

Portrait of Arthur Schopenhauer by Ludwig Sigismund Ruhl in 1815

Arthur Schopenhauer This German philosopher, born in 1788 in Danzig, travelled extensively with his parents.

His father, a merchant, wanted to educate him through travel, in the manner of Montaigne.

As a result, he visited Holland, England and France.

The Horses of Saint Mark in... Paris

“It was in Paris, in the Tuileries Garden, on the railings in front of the palace, that there were the famous four horses that Bonaparte brought back from Venice and which always accompanied the conquerors.

But I don't find them as extraordinary as I had imagined.”
Arthur Schopenhauer

This note, written at the age of 15 in his diary, already reveals the critical mind and frankness of the man who would go on to write “The World as Will and Representation”.

Schopenhauer's love for Teresa

It was after publishing this book (which would not sell for a long time) that he left for Italy.

In 1818, during his second visit to Venice before returning to Germany, he had a romantic affair with a woman named Teresa.

In Venice, his fear of being cuckolded by... Lord Byron

Lord Byron Here is Arthur Schopenhauer (who does not mince his words when criticising or mocking his fellow philosophers) confessing to his friend Von Hornstein:

Goethe had given me a letter of recommendation for Byron.

I was supposed to give it to him in Venice.

As I was walking along the Lido with my Dulcinea, she exclaimed, overcome with emotion:

"Ecco! The English poet!"

At that moment, Byron was passing by on horseback, and the lady could not forget this apparition for the rest of the day.

I decided then not to give Byron Goethe's letter, for fear of being cuckolded.

I regret it.”
Arthur Schopenhauer

Venice and Love, a Never-Ending Story!