The two enemies of human happiness are pain and boredom. — Arthur Schopenhauer | Printable Wall Art

“The two enemies of human happiness are pain and boredom.”

Words by Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) — German philosopher of pessimism.

About this quote

Schopenhauer suggests that human existence moves between two states of discomfort. When we lack essential needs or face hardship, we experience physical or emotional pain. Yet, when our desires are satisfied and security is achieved, we quickly fall into boredom. True contentment is rare because avoiding one state often pushes us directly into the other.

This line appears in Schopenhauer's 1851 collection Parerga and Paralipomena, specifically within his essays on the wisdom of life. It reflects his philosophical pessimism regarding the restless nature of human desire and satisfaction.

People often hang this print in a study or home office to prompt thoughtful reflection during quiet moments.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 19 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Script Whisper · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Night Script · Tracked Caps Unsigned

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.