The way I understand Friedrich Nietzsche's Philosophy

 

Dr Ruwan M Jayatunge, M.D., PhD  

My fascination with Friedrich Nietzsche was sparked by two influential educators: Stepan Ivanov, an associate professor at Vinnitsa National Medical University in Ukraine, and Beryl Logan, a professor in the Philosophy department at York University in Canada. My perspective on Friedrich Nietzsche might not align with the common interpretations. 

Nietzsche brought forth a unique cultural philosophy that has stirred much debate. Critics often highlight themes of racism, antisemitism, cruelty, and misogyny in his writings. Nevertheless, Nietzsche's influence remains undeniable in the landscape of Western thought.

Nietzsche, a philosopher renowned for his complex and often challenging doctrines, possessed an extraordinary breadth of knowledge that spanned various disciplines, including Greek philosophy, history, psychology, biology, and political science, among others. His intellectual prowess is unparalleled, yet he has frequently been misinterpreted and misunderstood throughout history. It is crucial to revisit and re-evaluate Nietzsche's philosophical contributions, as this can lead to a deeper appreciation of his insights and their relevance in contemporary discourse.

Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy fundamentally challenges the foundations of traditional Western morality and religion. In contrast to Freud, who emphasized sexuality as the primary human drive, Nietzsche posited that the will to power is the essential motivating force behind human behaviour.

Nietzsche offered a strong critique of Judeo-Christian ethics, characterizing it as a "slave morality" born from the resentment of the weak towards the strong. He argued that the oppressed Jews, unable to confront the formidable Roman Empire, created a belief system that provided solace for the downtrodden, promising a blissful afterlife. Nietzsche contended that virtues such as pity, humility, and selflessness were detrimental to life, as they suppressed the potential for human excellence and fostered a herd mentality, ultimately undermining society's progress.

 

The Antichrist

Exploring Nietzsche's opposition to Christianity has always intrigued me. Raised in a devout family steeped in Christian values, he eventually forged a path away from those teachings, critiquing the faith's core principles.

Nietzsche's self-identification as "the Antichrist" in his 1888 writings prompts an exploration of his vehement opposition to Christianity. This stance can be traced back to his early life, marked by the death of his father, Karl Ludwig Nietzsche, a Lutheran pastor, when Friedrich was just five years old. Additionally, the traumatic experiences he faced, including the loss of his younger brother Joseph and being a victim of childhood sexual abuse as discussed in Uri Wernik's 2018 book, "Nietzsche, Trauma, and Overcoming," suggest that Nietzsche grappled with significant psychological scars.

These experiences likely contributed to a profound disillusionment with both God and the tenets of Christianity, shaping his philosophical outlook and critique of religious beliefs. These factors suggest that Friedrich Nietzsche's childhood experiences played a crucial role in shaping his philosophical perspective and his growth as an individual.

 

God is Dead

I don't subscribe to the idea of a benevolent and all-powerful God watching over us. The universe is so immense that it feels less like a crafted creation and more like an entity governed by its own physical laws. When Nietzsche declared that God is dead, it was a profound philosophical statement. Humanity invented the concept of God, and now we've reached a crucial moment where we can exist independently of it.

Nietzsche was profoundly shaped by Schopenhauer's philosophical ideas, particularly in their shared atheism and rejection of a personal, benevolent God. When Nietzsche proclaimed that "God is dead," he did not mean this in a literal sense; rather, he intended to highlight the waning of religious belief as a cornerstone of Western morality, meaning, and purpose. He perceived this as a significant cultural transformation, largely propelled by the advancements in science that rendered traditional religious doctrines increasingly implausible, thereby undermining the previously stable moral frameworks that were thought to be divinely ordained. This statement reflects a broader philosophical and cultural observation about the changing landscape of belief in society.

The declaration of God's death sent shockwaves through Western civilization, raising profound questions about morality and accountability. In a world devoid of divine oversight, the notion arises that all actions may be permissible. This concept echoes the sentiments of a character in Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, which explores the implications of living in a society stripped of higher moral authority. The absence of such a guiding force prompts a critical examination of ethical boundaries and the role of individual conscience in the absence of divine judgment.

 

Will to Power

Nietzsche's concept of the will to power serves as a fundamental motivational force that he identified as the primary drive behind all forms of life. While it is often suggested that he formulated this idea during the Prussian War, it actually emerged from a blend of psychological insights and philosophical inquiry. The will to power transcends a mere desire for dominance over others; it embodies the aspiration for self-overcoming and the creative realization of one's potential and values. This drive can lead to both conflict and personal growth, highlighting its complexity as a central theme in Nietzsche's thought. As humans, we constantly strive to accumulate power and reach the highest echelons of influence. Even in our acts of generosity and kindness, there's an undeniable aspect of exercising power over others.

 

Overman

Nietzsche coined the concept of the Overman, representing a future ideal of humanity that transcends nihilism by establishing its own values instead of relying on traditional or religious frameworks. This ideal is realized through the process of self-overcoming, which involves discarding external moral standards and forging a personal sense of meaning in life, emphasizing the importance of existence in the present rather than focusing on an afterlife.

Interestingly, despite his profound thoughts on strength and power, Nietzsche grappled with numerous physical and mental challenges throughout his life. His health was quite delicate, and he was far from a physically robust individual. Yet, he envisioned the concept of the Overman, a powerful ideal. To me, it seems that the Overman was more of a yearning in Nietzsche's mind, a fantasy reflecting his aspirations rather than his reality.

Nietzsche held a deep admiration for figures such as Napoleon, Frederick the Great, and Otto von Bismarck, who embodied the traits of the Overman by establishing their own principles and disregarding societal norms. These leaders operated by their own standards, showing little concern for the conventions that governed ordinary individuals. If Nietzsche were alive today, he would likely view contemporary figures like Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin as modern incarnations of the Overman, as they, too, have crafted their own rules and navigated the world according to their unique visions.

 

The Nazi Misappropriation

I believe it's unfair to associate Nietzsche with the Nazis. He never endorsed their ideology; rather, they distorted his ideas to serve their cruel agenda. As a result, the Nazis inflicted significant harm on Nietzsche’s philosophy. Nietzsche's idea of the "overman" was co-opted by the Nazis, who distorted it to serve as a philosophical underpinning for their ideology, promoting the notion of a biologically superior "Aryan" or Germanic "master race." This appropriation involved a significant misinterpretation of Nietzsche's original intent, which emphasized individual excellence and the transcendence of conventional morality rather than the establishment of a racial hierarchy. The Nazis selectively extracted elements of Nietzsche's thought to legitimize their beliefs in racial superiority and to justify their oppressive policies.

 

With Wagner

The relationship between Nietzsche and Wagner is complex and challenging to grasp. Nietzsche had a deep admiration for Wagner at one point, only to later distance himself from him. Was this shift rooted in personal feelings?

Nietzsche regarded Richard Wagner as a "modern Aeschylus," believing that Wagner had the potential to rejuvenate the essence of Greek tragedy and ignite a cultural renaissance in Germany. This admiration was evident in Nietzsche's first significant publication, The Birth of Tragedy, which he dedicated to Wagner, reflecting the deep intellectual and emotional bond he felt towards the composer. Wagner, however, held controversial views, particularly his antisemitic beliefs, which would later become a point of contention between the two. As time progressed, Nietzsche's perception of Wagner shifted dramatically; he began to critique Wagner's work and ideology with increasing fervor, ultimately labeling him a symbol of cultural decline.

 

Nietzsche's Philosophical Psychology

Nietzsche's philosophy is starting to take precedence over his psychological insights, positioning him as a forerunner to Freud. Nietzsche's Psychology represents a groundbreaking approach to understanding the human psyche, one that significantly predates and influences the later developments of Sigmund Freud's psychoanalytic theory. His work fundamentally contests conventional perspectives on human nature by positing that our actions and motivations are largely governed by unconscious and irrational forces, rather than by the conscious reasoning that has traditionally been emphasized. This radical shift in thinking invites a deeper examination of the underlying drives that shape human behavior, suggesting that much of what we consider to be rational thought is, in fact, a veneer over more primal instincts and desires. Nietzsche's insights into the complexities of the human mind not only challenge established norms but also lay the groundwork for future psychological inquiry, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between the conscious and unconscious realms of human experience.

 

Nietzsche and Freud

Despite Freud’s assertion that he did not deeply engage with Nietzsche’s works, this may not capture the full picture. Nietzsche's insights into psychology had a significant impact on Freud. Concepts from Nietzsche, including the unconscious mind, instinctual drives, the origins of morality, and the process of sublimation, shaped Freud’s thinking. Both thinkers argue that a substantial portion of human mental activity occurs beneath the surface of conscious awareness, suggesting that these unconscious processes play a crucial role in shaping our thoughts and behaviours. Central to their philosophies is the idea that primal, instinctual drives serve as the fundamental forces motivating human actions.

 

Disregarding the ideas of Karl Marx

Friedrich Nietzsche and Karl Marx were contemporaries, both active during the 19th century in Europe. Despite this shared historical context, Nietzsche never explicitly referenced Marx in his writings, and his mentions of "communism" were primarily directed at the broader socialist and egalitarian movements he vehemently opposed. Nietzsche's philosophical framework fundamentally contradicted the core principles of Marxism and communism. While he recognized the emergence of socialist movements in Germany, he either did not engage with Marx's texts directly or deemed them unworthy of a detailed critique.

 

Apollonian and Dionysian Tendencies

In his first book, The Birth of Tragedy, Friedrich Nietzsche presents the concepts of the Apollonian and Dionysian as two contrasting yet essential forces that shape both art and human nature, drawing their names from the Greek deities Apollo and Dionysus. Nietzsche posits that the harmonious interplay between these two elements is what culminated in the grandeur of ancient Greek tragedy. The Apollonian aspect embodies qualities such as order, rationality, logic, and a sense of individualism, serving as a stabilizing force in human experience. In stark contrast, the Dionysian aspect is characterized by chaos, deep emotionality, instinctual drives, and a surrender of individuality, reflecting the more primal and passionate side of existence. Together, these opposing tendencies illustrate the complexity of human nature and the artistic expressions that arise from their dynamic relationship.

 

Nihilism

Friedrich Nietzsche viewed nihilism as a perilous crisis looming over modern European society, a consequence of the erosion of traditional Christian values. Rather than endorsing nihilism, he positioned himself as a "diagnostician," aiming to analyze the phenomenon and its implications. Nietzsche believed that the decline of these values could lead to a profound sense of meaninglessness and despair among individuals. In response to this existential threat, he sought to develop a new philosophy that would affirm life and encourage individuals to create their own values and purpose.

 

About Buddhism

Nietzsche's perspective on Buddhism is marked by a nuanced and often contradictory stance. He acknowledged the tradition's emphasis on realism and practicality, yet he ultimately critiqued it as a manifestation of "passive nihilism," which he viewed as detrimental to the affirmation of life. Central to his argument is the assertion that Buddhism's primary objective is to transcend the cycle of existence, known as samsara, by eradicating desire, suffering, and the individual self in pursuit of Nirvana. This, he argued, represents a fundamental rejection of life itself, which he deemed "nihilistic." In stark contrast, Nietzsche advocated for the "will to power," a concept that celebrates the complexities and challenges of existence rather than seeking to escape them. He perceived Buddhism as embodying a "Will to Nothingness," characterized by an overemphasis on spiritual ideals that ultimately diminish the value of earthly life. In his influential works, such as The Antichrist and On the Genealogy of Morality, Nietzsche explicitly categorized Buddhism as a "life-negating" philosophy.

 

The Fictional Prophet Zarathustra

Nietzsche employed the historical figure of the Persian prophet Zarathustra, also known as Zoroaster, as a literary construct to articulate his own revolutionary philosophies. In this work, he posits the aspiration for humanity to evolve into a superior type of individual—one who forges their own values and derives meaning from existence in the wake of the erosion of traditional belief systems, particularly Christianity.

In Nietzsche's view, the Christian God has lost its status as a reliable foundation for universal moral principles and ultimate purpose within contemporary society. He further introduces the provocative notion of eternal recurrence, suggesting that every event in an individual's life will repeat itself endlessly in the same manner, thereby challenging established notions of morality and ethics. Notably, there are intriguing parallels between Nietzsche's Zarathustra and the Buddhist ideal of a Bodhisattva, both figures embodying the quest for higher understanding and the responsibility to guide others toward enlightenment.

 

Nietzsche's Struggles with both Mental and Physical Health

Nietzsche endured a range of debilitating health issues throughout his life, including intense migraines, vision impairments that eventually led to near-blindness in one eye, gastric problems, and severe mood fluctuations. He volunteered as a medical orderly during the Franco-Prussian War, where he witnessed the brutal realities of combat and contracted serious illnesses that further compromised his health. His ultimate mental collapse occurred in Turin, Italy, in January 1889, at which point he was diagnosed with late-stage neurosyphilis. This diagnosis was consistent with his long history of debilitating migraines, visual disturbances, and various nervous system disorders typically associated with the disease's progression. However, many contemporary medical professionals challenge the accuracy of this diagnosis, pointing to the lack of common physical symptoms usually seen in neurosyphilis cases.

The Impact of Friedrich Nietzsche's Philosophy

Friedrich Nietzsche is a key and thought-provoking figure in modern thought, whose ideas have had a profound impact on Western philosophy, psychology, literature, and culture. His writings challenge the fundamental concepts of traditional morality, religion, and truth, calling for a thorough "revaluation of all values." Nietzsche's insights continue to resonate today, providing invaluable guidance in a secular world characterized by uncertainty, individualism, and rapid cultural shifts. Through his work, we can discover enduring lessons about authenticity, resilience, and the quest for personal meaning.