Arthur Schopenhauer: 'Will power is to the mind like a strong blind man who carries on his shoulders a lame man who can see.'

Will power is to the mind like a strong blind man who carries on his shoulders a lame man who can see.

The quote by Arthur Schopenhauer, "Will power is to the mind like a strong blind man who carries on his shoulders a lame man who can see," succinctly captures the essence of the relationship between our willpower and our conscious mind. In its straightforward interpretation, Schopenhauer suggests that will power acts as a force, driving the mind forward despite any limitations or obstacles it may encounter. It likens the mind to a blind man, lacking the ability to see or fully comprehend, while will power assumes the role of a strong figure supporting and carrying the mind, granting it direction and purpose.At first glance, this metaphor may seem puzzling. Why would a mind, capable of perception and understanding, require support from a blind man, even if he is strong? To truly appreciate the implications of Schopenhauer's metaphor, we must delve deeper into the nature of willpower and explore a contrasting philosophical concept – that of free will.While will power emphasizes persistence and determination, free will focuses on the choices we make and the autonomy we possess as conscious beings. It raises profound questions about the extent to which our actions are predetermined or influenced by external factors. With the introduction of free will into the discussion, we set the stage for an intriguing exploration of the relationship between voluntary action and the limitations of our consciousness.The blind man carrying the mind represents our willpower, which possesses strength but lacks the ability to foresee or fully comprehend the consequences of its actions. Conversely, the lame man symbolizes our conscious mind, able to perceive and understand but lacking the ability to drive itself forward. Like a blind man relying on the guidance of the lame, our will power carries the conscious mind and provides direction. Yet, the lame man's ability to see, juxtaposed with the blind man's physical strength, highlights the tension between understanding and power in human decision-making.In the context of this metaphor, Schopenhauer speaks to the nuanced interplay between our conscious mind and our willpower. Willpower acts as an empowering force, fueling our drive to persist and overcome challenges. However, it is the conscious mind that possesses the faculties necessary to evaluate the consequences of our actions fully. It is the union of the two that allows us to navigate the complexities of life effectively.Upon reflecting on this quote, one may ponder the significance of our conscious minds remaining "lame" – limited in their ability to drive forward motion independently. Is the blindness of our willpower a necessary counterpart to our conscious minds' understanding? Could it be that the blind strength of our willpower acts as a necessary counterbalance, tempering the sometimes excessive caution and indecisiveness of our conscious minds?In this context, the quote may suggest that true power lies in the harmonious integration of our conscious minds and our willpower. It encourages us to recognize the importance of both understanding and determination in any endeavor we undertake. To embrace this philosophy is to acknowledge that while having a strong willpower is important, it is equally crucial to exercise discernment and critical thinking in order to make informed decisions.Ultimately, this quote serves as a poignant reminder of the need for balance in our lives. It prompts us to tap into our willpower to face challenges head-on while continuously engaging and developing our conscious minds to make wise and thoughtful choices. By embracing this balance, we can navigate life's obstacles with a strength that is both unyielding and informed – just like the strong blind man carrying the lame man who can see.