# The World as Will and Representation

> non-fiction work by Arthur Schopenhauer

**Wikidata**: [Q560352](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q560352)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World_as_Will_and_Representation)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-world-as-will-and-representation

## Summary
*The World as Will and Representation* is a seminal non-fiction work by German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, published in 1819. It is a foundational text in metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics, presenting Schopenhauer’s theory that the world is governed by an impersonal, irrational will, which manifests as suffering and the illusion of representation. The work is classified as a literary work and a type of work of art, distinct from general written works and fiction.

## Key Facts
- A non-fiction work by Arthur Schopenhauer, published in 1819.
- Classified as a literary work and a type of work of art.
- Subclass of written work, distinct from general written works and fiction.
- Composed of text and created through the process of writing.
- Linked to the following identifiers: psh_id: 6918, yso_id: 1150, ne.se_id: litterärt-verk, kbpedia_id: LiteraryWork, open_library_id: OL32245091W, google_knowledge_graph_id: /g/1234t710, /g/11c71cnldv, nl_cr_aut_id: ph122380, ph117225, ph166330.
- Maintained by WikiProject Books and part of the "Category: Literary works."
- Associated with the University of Barcelona authority ID: 981060927480506706.
- Referenced in the Dictionary of Archives Terminology with ID "literary-works."
- Part of the Encyclopedia of China (third edition) with ID 223088.
- Connected to the Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging with ID 13535.
- Available in multiple languages, including German, English, Spanish, and Chinese.
- Influenced by predecessors such as Plato and Immanuel Kant.
- Influenced subsequent thinkers, including Friedrich Nietzsche and Leo Tolstoy.

## FAQs
**What is *The World as Will and Representation*?**
*The World as Will and Representation* is a philosophical work by Arthur Schopenhauer that presents his theory of the world as governed by an impersonal, irrational will, which manifests as suffering and the illusion of representation. It is a non-fiction literary work classified as a type of work of art.

**Who wrote *The World as Will and Representation*?**
The work was written by Arthur Schopenhauer, a German philosopher renowned for his contributions to metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics.

**When was *The World as Will and Representation* published?**
The work was published in 1819, marking a significant contribution to 19th-century philosophy.

**What is the classification of *The World as Will and Representation*?**
It is classified as a literary work and a type of work of art, distinct from general written works and fiction.

**What are the main themes of *The World as Will and Representation*?**
The work explores the nature of reality, the concept of will, the illusion of representation, and the sources of human suffering.

**How does *The World as Will and Representation* differ from other literary works?**
It is distinct from general written works and fiction, being a specific type of work of art with a philosophical focus.

**What is the role of *The World as Will and Representation* in philosophy?**
The work serves as a foundational text in metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics, influencing subsequent philosophical thought.

**Who were the influences on Schopenhauer’s philosophy?**
Schopenhauer was influenced by Plato and Immanuel Kant, among others.

**Who was influenced by *The World as Will and Representation*?**
The work influenced Friedrich Nietzsche and Leo Tolstoy, among other thinkers.

**What is the significance of *The World as Will and Representation* in the history of philosophy?**
The work is a cornerstone of 19th-century philosophy, bridging classical thought and modern philosophical development.

## Why It Matters
*The World as Will and Representation* is a pivotal work in the history of philosophy, bridging classical thought and 19th-century philosophical development. It presents Schopenhauer’s theory of the world as governed by an impersonal, irrational will, which manifests as suffering and the illusion of representation. The work’s influence extends to subsequent thinkers, including Friedrich Nietzsche and Leo Tolstoy, shaping the trajectory of metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics. By addressing the nature of reality, art, and human behavior, Schopenhauer’s work provides a framework that resonates through the history of philosophy and literature. Its classification as a literary work and a type of work of art underscores its artistic and intellectual value, contributing to the broader field of literature and cultural expression.

## Notable For
- Being a seminal work in metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics.
- Presenting Schopenhauer’s theory of the world as governed by an impersonal, irrational will.
- Influencing subsequent thinkers, including Friedrich Nietzsche and Leo Tolstoy.
- Being classified as a literary work and a type of work of art.
- Being distinct from general written works and fiction.
- Being maintained by WikiProject Books and part of the "Category: Literary works."
- Being associated with the University of Barcelona authority ID and the Dictionary of Archives Terminology.
- Being referenced in the Encyclopedia of China (third edition) and the Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging.
- Being available in multiple languages, reflecting its global cultural significance.

## Body
### Definition and Nature
*The World as Will and Representation* is a non-fiction work by Arthur Schopenhauer, published in 1819. It is classified as a literary work and a type of work of art, distinct from general written works and fiction. The work is composed of text and created through the process of writing, reflecting Schopenhauer’s philosophical contributions to metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics.

### Classification and Relationships
The work is linked to the following identifiers and classifications:
- psh_id: 6918
- yso_id: 1150
- ne.se_id: litterärt-verk
- kbpedia_id: LiteraryWork
- open_library_id: OL32245091W
- google_knowledge_graph_id: /g/1234t710, /g/11c71cnldv
- nl_cr_aut_id: ph122380, ph117225, ph166330
- model_item: literature, comics, prose, diary
- subclass_of: work of art, written work
- instance_of: type of work of art
- has_characteristic: type of literary work
- has_part: text
- fabrication_method: writing
- different_from: version, edition or translation, fiction, written work

### Properties and Identifiers
The work is associated with a wide range of properties for this type, including:
- P50, P407, P136, P921, P373, P214, P8189, P747, P577, P495, P2408, P840, P166, P7937, P1274, P8383, P1085, P10319, P5331, P123, P1922, P3132, P144, P941, P1036, P244, P291, P953, P6216, P648, P674, P7150

### Cultural and Academic Context
*The World as Will and Representation* is foundational to the field of literature and is studied and preserved in academic and cultural contexts. It is linked to:
- University of Barcelona authority ID: 981060927480506706
- Dictionary of Archives Terminology ID: literary-works
- Encyclopedia of China (third edition) ID: 223088
- Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging ID: 13535
- Thesaurus Linguae Aegyptiae ID: R5CMB55TONDPPKYZCQSNGMQASA

### Maintenance and Curation
The work is maintained by WikiProject Books, ensuring its accurate documentation and categorization. It is also part of the "Category: Literary works" and associated with the "Template: Infobox literary work" for structured representation.

### Distinction from Other Concepts
*The World as Will and Representation* is distinct from the general term "Werk" and has a separate descriptive page to ensure clarity in classification. It is also different from "version, edition or translation" and "fiction," which are considered separate entities.

### Role in Digital and Cultural Archives
The work is cataloged and preserved in digital and cultural archives using specific identifiers and classification systems, ensuring its long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement.

### Philosophical Contributions
Schopenhauer’s work presents a theory of the world as governed by an impersonal, irrational will, which manifests as suffering and the illusion of representation. It explores the nature of reality, the concept of will, and the sources of human suffering, influencing subsequent philosophical thought.

### Influence and Legacy
The work influenced Friedrich Nietzsche and Leo Tolstoy, shaping the trajectory of metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics. Schopenhauer’s philosophy was also influenced by predecessors such as Plato and Immanuel Kant, situating him within a continuum of Western philosophical thought.

### Author and Context
Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher (1788–1860) renowned for his works *The World as Will and Representation* and *Parerga and Paralipomena*. His educational journey included Ernestinum Gotha, the University of Göttingen, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. He served as a university teacher at the University of Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, contributing to the academic sphere through his philosophical pursuits and translations.

### Related Works
Schopenhauer’s literary output includes *Parerga and Paralipomena*, a collection of philosophical reflections published in 1851. His works are classified as literary works and types of work of art, distinct from general written works and fiction, reflecting their philosophical and artistic value.

### Language and Availability
*The World as Will and Representation* is available in multiple languages, including German, English, Spanish, and Chinese, reflecting its global cultural significance. It is maintained by WikiProject Books and part of the "Category: Literary works," ensuring its accurate documentation and categorization.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File