No Schopenhauer Means No Effort

Taleb knows Schopenhauer, and a detailed history of thought.

Houellebecq knows Schopenhauer, and a long chain of literature, culture, problems, and solutions.

Gray knows Schopenhauer, philosophy through the ages, critical thinking, and clear, honest writing.

Is there any point to reading moderns who don't know what came before, and can't be bothered to read the best books in civilization, instead preferring ignorance and inferiority?

Wagner changed his entire outlook on opera music drama upon reading Schopenhauer, which he called the most significant event in his life. His later works directly convey Schopenhauer's views, so enraptured was Wagner with this realization of the world.

An architect unfamiliar with the best buildings, a musician who never studied and played the best compositions, or a doctor unfamiliar with the best medical practices are undeniably unsuitable for their claimed professions.

Familiarity with Schopenhauer is an essential litmus test.