The All-Too-Human Animal: Schopenhauer’s Influence in John Gray’s Critique of Humanism

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyse John Gray’s critique of humanism. This political theorist presents in some of his works a strong criticism not only of liberalism, but also of the idea of progress, Utopianism and anthropocentrism. First, I try to sketch a provisional definition of humanism and analyse how Gray understands this concept. Second, I develop some of the main criticisms that Gray levels against humanism. In doing so I will also clarify his influences, particularly his reference to Schopenhauer. To conclude, I attempt to weigh the merit of his criticisms and point out some of its potential limitations.