Alfred Estermann follows the traces of genius in his time and daily life. The individual studies are supplemented by new documents, with some texts published here for the first time and others reproduced in their original form. The relationship between Schopenhauer and Richard Wagner, as well as Wagner's complex relationship with Schopenhauer, are examined in a revisionist manner. The rediscovered first version of the significant Schopenhauer portrait by Franz von Lenbach is presented. An analysis of the decades-long series of drafts for prefaces to his central work "The World as Will and Representation" illustrates Schopenhauer's tireless combative spirit and reveals his struggle for recognition, his unyielding nature, and his enmities. In the private sphere, the difficult correspondence with a childhood friend is included, while his philosophical work features his newly rediscovered personal copy.