Arthur Schopenhauer's quote about Gold

“The alchemists in their search for gold discovered many other things of greater value.”

— Arthur Schopenhauer

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Know Sourse & Context of this quote :

Arthur Schopenhauer, in 'Aphorisms for the Wisdom of Life'

Arthur Schopenhauer's quote about gold is often paraphrased This quote highlights the unintended, yet often more valuable, discoveries that can arise from pursuing a specific goal. 

The quote by Arthur Schopenhauer suggests that while alchemists focused on finding gold, their pursuits led to the discovery of other things of greater value, such as gunpowder, china, and medicines, as well as scientific principles. It implies that pursuing a specific goal can sometimes lead to unintended but ultimately more significant outcomes. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

The focus on gold:

Alchemists were primarily known for their attempts to transmute base metals into gold, a quest that occupied much of their time and research. 

Unexpected discoveries:

Despite their primary focus, their experiments and studies resulted in the discovery of various substances, techniques, and scientific principles that were far more valuable than gold itself. 

Greater value:

Schopenhauer's quote suggests that these unintended discoveries, like gunpowder, china, and medicines, had a greater impact on society and the advancement of knowledge than the pursuit of gold. 

A broader perspective:

The quote encourages a broader perspective on goal-setting, suggesting that pursuing a specific aim can lead to unexpected and valuable discoveries, even if those discoveries are not the original target. 

We Are All Alchemists of Life

Men of any worth or value soon come to see that they are in the hands of fate, and gratefully submit to be moulded by its teachings. They recognize that the fruit of life is experience, and not happiness; they become accustomed and content to exchange hope for insight; and, in the end, they can say, with Petrarch, that all they care for is to learn: Altro diletto che 'mparar, non provo.

It may even be that they to some extent still follow their old wishes and aims, trifling with them, as it were, for the sake of appearances; all the while really and seriously looking for nothing but instruction; a process which lends them an air of genius, a trait of something contemplative and sublime.

In their search for gold, the alchemists discovered other things - gunpowder, china, medicines, the laws of nature. There is a sense in which we are all alchemists.

Arthur Schopenhauer, in 'Aphorisms for the Wisdom of Life'