Schopenhauer’s rise in the bookstore world began last November, further fueled by TV variety show features. (Wikimedia Commons)
SEOUL, Jan. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — Navigating human relationships is always challenging. Whether conflicts are evident or hidden, they are an inevitable part of our social existence, often leaving us with emotional scars.
This makes maintaining a healthy distance crucial. In his bestseller “Reading Schopenhauer at Forty,” researcher Kang Yong-soo from the Korea University’s Institute of Philosophical Studies emphasizes learning to coexist without hurting others, much like hedgehogs.
Since the start of the new year, there’s been an unmistakable surge in Schopenhauer’s popularity. As of the second week in January, “Reading Schopenhauer at Forty” topped Kyobo Bookstore’s bestseller list. Other Schopenhauer titles like “Don’t Waste Your Life Trying to Impress Others” and “Schopenhauer’s Aphorisms” have also ranked high.
Schopenhauer’s rise in the bookstore world began last November, further fueled by TV variety show features. Unlike typical flashes in the pan, his popularity has sustained an upward trajectory for over two months.
“Reading Schopenhauer at Forty” led the bestseller charts for five consecutive weeks since last November. (Image courtesy of Uknow Books)
“Reading Schopenhauer at Forty” led the bestseller charts for five consecutive weeks since last November, briefly lost its top spot, and then reclaimed it, maintaining the lead for another two weeks. Other Schopenhauer-related books have also consistently been in the bestseller ranks, driving this wave of interest.
This phenomenon is viewed as exceptional among those in the book retail industry. Kim Hyun-jung, who is responsible for Kyobo Bookstore’s bestsellers, noted, “It’s been a decade since a philosophy book, like Michael Sandel’s ‘Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?’, has made it to the bestseller list. Schopenhauer’s works, with their concise and self-help elements, seem to resonate with current trends.”
Schopenhauer, an outsider in his time, clashed with Hegel and left academia to pursue independent research. An atheist with a deep interest in Eastern philosophies, he was a nonconformist, often at odds with mainstream thought.
His outsider status led him to focus on self-improvement and study, rather than mingling with other scholars. His approach to life, favoring self-development, is reflected in recent publications about him, offering comfort for the busy modern life and emphasizing the importance of personal growth.
Phrases like “A tree needs wind to grow strong; humans need exercise for health,” “All our unhappiness comes from our inability to be alone,” “The richer our minds, the less room for inner emptiness,” and “If life is hard, just eat and sleep more than usual” are resonating on social media.
The renewed interest in a philosopher from over 200 years ago is largely viewed positively. An industry insider commented, “Introducing Schopenhauer’s philosophy to the masses is a positive development.”
However, some critique that the recent bestsellers, though based on Schopenhauer’s writings, don’t fully represent his extensive philosophy. For a complete understanding of Schopenhauer’s profound thoughts, one must also delve into the more challenging texts he authored.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
