Canonical · Philosophy & the Self · Philosophy

The Porcupine Dilemma

Arthur Schopenhauer · 1851

"Human intimacy is a paradox: we need each other for warmth and survival, but if we get too close, we inevitably stab each other with our flaws."

The idea

Imagine a group of porcupines freezing on a cold winter night. To survive, they huddle together for body heat. But as soon as they get close, their sharp quills stab one another.

Why it works

The takeaway — recall it first

Romanticism vs. Classicism

"Modern misery is largely caused by the dominance of Romanticism, which tells us to follow our passions blindly, rather than Classicism, which values reason and low expectations."

Alain de Botton · PhilosophyContinue→