Nietzsche's Philosophy of Existence

Friedrich Nietzsche's Philosophy

• Humans can no longer rely on religious superstition or metaphysical speculation as guides for living; instead, they must determine life's meaning for themselves.
• By exercising their will to power, people can continue to grow and overcome conventional morality.
• Nietzsche described those who experimented with life and feelings and engaged in continuous self-overcoming as the "superman".

Human Nature

• Nietzsche believed that there are two major aspects of human nature: the Apollonian and the Dionysian.
• The Apollonian aspect represents our rational side, desire for tranquility, predictability, and orderliness.
• The Dionysian aspect represents our irrational side, attraction to creative chaos, and passionate, dynamic experiences.

Art and Literature

• The best art and literature reflect a fusion of Apollonian and Dionysian tendencies.
• The best life reflects controlled passion, with Nietzsche advocating for living with passion rather than just living.

Psychology

• Nietzsche's psychology is centered around the tension between Apollonian and Dionysian tendencies.
• The Dionysian tendency, referred to as "barbarian", cannot express itself unabated without destroying the individual.
• Nietzsche anticipated Freud by referring to these barbarian urges as "das es", or the id.
• For Dionysian impulses to gain expression, they must be modified (sublimated) by Apollonian rationality.

Existentialism

• Nietzsche believed that every man is a unique miracle, and we are responsible to ourselves for our own existence.
• Freedom makes us responsible for our characters, just as artists are responsible for their creations.

Death of God

• With the death of God, traditional sources of meaning and morality (such as religion, science, and metaphysics) are lost.
• Humans are left to create their own meaning and morality, with no abstract truths waiting to be discovered.

Convictions and Truth

• Nietzsche believed that convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies.
• Convictions reflect certainty, while opinions reflect probability.
• Convictions lead to fanaticism, while opinions allow for debate and discussion.

Will to Power

• Nietzsche believed that the will to power is the driving force behind human behavior, rather than self-preservation.
• The will to power is the desire to become more, to become stronger, and to overcome oneself.
• Living in accordance with the will to power means living a life of continuous self-overcoming and growth.

Critique of Civilization

• Nietzsche believed that repressive civilization is the primary cause of human mental anguish, a view later shared by Freud.
• The good life is one of self-overcoming, creativity, and risk-taking, rather than conformity and stagnation.

Morality

• Nietzsche believed that the only meaningful basis of morality is individual artistic creation, combining Dionysian and Apollonian tendencies in a unique way.
• There is no general formula for living, and individuals must find their own path and create their own values.

Critique of Nationalism

• Nietzsche's philosophy was misinterpreted by the German National Socialists (the Nazis), who claimed that the German people were the superior race.
• Nietzsche rejected the idea of national or racial superiority, believing that each individual has the potential to be a superman.
• The superman is characterized by passion, courage, and insight, rather than nationality or race.