Franz Schubert: 'Every night when I go to bed, I hope that I may never wake again, and every morning renews my grief.'

Every night when I go to bed, I hope that I may never wake again, and every morning renews my grief.

In Franz Schubert's haunting quote, "Every night when I go to bed, I hope that I may never wake again, and every morning renews my grief," a profound sense of despair and conflicting emotions is revealed. At first glance, the quote appears to convey a deep sadness, reflecting Schubert's longing for an escape from his troubles as he slumbers. However, beneath the surface lies a complex and paradoxical statement, opening the door to unexpected philosophical concepts worth exploring.On a straightforward level, Schubert's words depict a perpetual cycle of despondency experienced by the composer. At night, as he seeks solace in sleep, he harbors a fervent desire to release himself from the burdens that weigh him down during his waking hours. The hope of never waking again suggests a desperation to escape from the realities of life, perhaps due to personal struggles or the relentless pursuit of creative excellence. However, as the morning dawns, renewing his grief, Schubert's despair is seemingly intensified. The return to consciousness brings with it a melancholic realization that his troubles persist, and the respite that he yearned for remains elusive.Now, let us introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to delve deeper into the meaning behind Schubert's quote — existentialism. This philosophical school of thought explores the human condition, emphasizing the individual's existence in an indifferent and often absurd universe. In the context of Schubert's words, existentialism sheds light on the inherent conflicts within his emotions and highlights the universal human struggle to find meaning and purpose amidst the challenges we face.At first, Schubert's desire to not wake again may seem to contradict the fundamental tenets of existentialism. Existentialists argue that life's inherent meaninglessness requires individuals to create their own purpose. The longing for eternal sleep appears to reject the idea of existence as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth. However, as the morning renews his grief, Schubert unintentionally highlights a crucial aspect of the existentialist philosophy — the confrontation with the absurd. The absurd, exemplified by the paradoxical coexistence of despair and hope, arises when humans confront the vastness and indifference of the universe.Schubert's nightly yearning for nonexistence reflects an individual's struggle when faced with the futility of existence. By desiring to escape his troubles through eternal slumber, he challenges the existentialist notion of choosing personal meaning. Yet, as morning breaks and grief is rekindled, he aligns himself with the existentialist mindset, embracing the absurdity of his situation. In this juxtaposition of emotions, Schubert encapsulates the emotional turmoil of the human experience, reminding us that the search for meaning often elicits conflicting emotions within ourselves.In conclusion, Franz Schubert's haunting quote epitomizes the depths of despair and conflicting emotions experienced by individuals facing the challenges of existence. At first glance, his longing for eternal slumber may seem dissonant with the idea of individual purpose advocated by existentialism. However, upon further examination, the quote uncovers the innate paradoxes woven into the fabric of human emotion and the struggle to make meaning in an indifferent universe. Schubert's words serve as a poignant reminder of the complex and ever-evolving nature of the human experience, stimulating contemplation on our own pursuit of meaning amidst the vast expanse of existence.