Quotes by Peter Wessel Zapffe

About Peter Wessel Zapffe:


Peter Wessel Zapffe is often noted for his philosophically pessimistic and fatalistic view of human existence—his system of philosophy in line with the work of the earlier philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, by whom he was inspired—as well as his firm advocacy of antinatalism. His thoughts regarding the error of human life are presented in the essay "The Last Messiah" (Norwegian: Den sidste Messias, 1933). This essay is a shorter version of his best-known work, the philosophical treatise On the Tragic (Om det tragiske, 1941).

Author Bio


  • NamePeter Wessel Zapffe
  • DescriptionNorwegian philosopher, mountaineer, and author
  • BornDecember 18, 1899
  • DiedOctober 12, 1990
  • CountryNorway
  • ProfessionWriter; Philosopher
  • WorksThe Prodigal Son