In The Wisdom of Life, an essay from Schopenhauer's final work, Parerga
und Paralipomena (1851), the philosopher favors individual strength of
will and independent, reasoned deliberation over the tendency to act on
irrational impulses. He examines the ways in which life can be arranged
to derive the highest degree of pleasure and success, presents
guidelines to achieving this full and rich manner of living, and advises
that even a life well lived must always aspire to grander heights.
Abounding in subjects of enduring relevance, Schopenhauer's highly
readable work appears here in an excellent translation.