"The Origin of the Universe: A Conscious Beginning"

Philosopher Schopenhauer argues that the universe depends on consciousness and that objects exist only because of the forms of the knowing mind. He contends that the mind-dependence of objects conflicts with widely held realist beliefs and aims to align intuitive knowledge with reflective reason. Schopenhauer's argumentative strategy for idealism relies on proofs from like-minded precursors and observations from natural sciences. He explains the genesis and persistence of realist belief as stemming from innate tendencies and cultural narratives. Acknowledging the truth of idealism leads to detachment and the realization that the world and life are nothing but an insubstantial show.