Arthur Schopenhauer was a German philosopher born in 1788, known for his pessimistic view of human existence. He believed that life is driven by a fundamental will to live, which leads to suffering and conflict. His most famous work, *The World as Will and Representation*, explores the idea that our desires and ambitions ultimately lead to dissatisfaction. Schopenhauer's philosophy influenced many later thinkers, including Friedrich Nietzsche and Sigmund Freud. He emphasized the importance of art and compassion as ways to escape the pain of existence. His ideas continue to resonate in discussions about the nature of desire and the human condition.