Schopenhauer's musing

Rather that art for art's sake, perhaps Arthur Schopenhauer's view of art for the alleviation of life's suffering has some merits after all. In the context of the modern world, if one is permitted to broaden art's definition to the more encompassing "entertainment", then one can see concrete examples abound in every day life. Take for example pop art culture, where by poking fun at the absurdity and randomness of life in subtle and clever ways, it somehow makes the process of deciphering of gloomy messages soothing, transcending normal life's drudgery. Consider also the soulful sounds of blues, which speaks directly of one's lost dreams and unfulfilled yearnings, whereby doing so truthfully and passionately is music to one's ears. The latter also smells of Schopenhauer's second remedy of life's misery: by sharing livid experiences with those who also suffer, it lessens the pain of both the teller and the listener. if life be a torturous journey, one scattered with thorns and needles, the famed pessimistic philosopher's advices are more than just bitter melon. Eat well.