Friedrich Nietzsche is often dismissed because of his “bad boy of philosophy” reputation. Mention of him often brings an association with doom and gloom. That is, if you can get past the unsubstantiated claims of antisemitism to his “doom and gloom” concepts.
He certainly wrote about things that were edgy, forcing his reader to think about complex issues. I like to think that Nietzsche knew his penchant for shock, and that he enjoyed the absurdity of it all. His words are often a direct challenge to his reader; and we all know that shock sells.
Ask most people what they know about Nietzsche and you will usually get a handful of answers. He apparently killed God and he said there was no point to life. That’s the misconception of Nietzsche–hater of God and life. Once you study his work, however, it’s clear to see that this is far from the reality of his thought.
Who Killed God and Does it Even Matter?
In spirit of shock doctrine mentioned above, Nietzsche’s oft quoted statement, “God is Dead” is certainly declarative. In fact, this has become the motto for Nietzsche’s views on religion.
His views on religion are complex, though, and his reference to God being dead is more an observation upon the state of society. If one doesn’t study Nietzsche’s full philosophy they are prone to digest only the anti-religious sentiment and leave the rest of this concept uneaten. Which is a shame, because it is a very apt reflection on human nature.
Interestingly, this quote is not original to Nietzsche and it isn’t truly representative of his work. His thought around this quote is a prediction that the decline of religion in society, as science and technology advanced, would lead to a subsequent emergence of a new kind of religion–reliance upon science for all the answers. And when humans are left with nothing to believe in? He predicted a crisis of nihilism.
As a controversial character, things have been tied to Nietzsche unwittingly. Nihilism is another of those ties. Nihilism was around much longer than Nietzsche. He spoke of it, but didn’t base his philosophy around it. In fact, most of his philosophy is on how to avoid the dangers of a nihilistic society.
So, first he tells people that God is Dead and then he tells them that their life has no purpose. No wonder he isn’t the most popular guy. But what seems quite dark at the surface level, is very intriguing in the depths.
Study of Humanity
Life is always changing, but the basic nature of humanity stays the same. What I appreciate most about Nietzsche is that he shares powerful insight into the human psyche through his work. His studies are representative of the nature of being human and the experience of consciousness and choice.
Am I trying to say that Nietzsche is inspirational? Indeed, I am! Nietzsche can be read with a lens toward seeking joy and personal development. People who enjoy complex thought can easily find a home with Nietzsche.
What if We Never Die?
One of Nietzsche’s famous concepts is that of eternal recurrence. Within this theory he posits that life is an eternal, continuous cycle.
This sounds somewhat terrible, at first. You mean there is no happily-ever-after?? Nietzsche’s point is that you can’t know what happens after death because you have yet to die. You only have this moment. This moment…eternally…until you are no longer conscious of it.
There is a strong connection between this concept and the work of Eastern philosophers. There is an insistence on being in the now, living in the present moment and controlling your consciousness through intentional action.
Live as if there were no end and every choice you make will impact you for as long as you can imagine.
Beyond Division
As you read more of Nietzsche you start to see how his writing is beyond the typical dichotomy of good versus bad.
First, he has to make sure the reader is in the right frame of mind (which isn’t a mind set toward an after-life) and then he basically negates religion all together. He was a profound existentialist and reminds his reader that humans choose to act; therefore, why not act as if your current decisions will take you to the next level of your life?
Live a good life, not because you are “trying out” for a spot in some mysterious, supernatural after-world, but because you are living a human experience. Like all the great existentialists, Nietzsche strongly defends the subjective, individual experience.
Did he abhor religion? Yes. That’s blatantly obvious. But, he also wasn’t speaking to people that would label themselves as religious; he was speaking to humanity, stripped of labels, bared to the nature that all humans share.
Only after realizing this, can Nietzsche be truly enjoyed. A life lived beyond labels, in the present moment, in deep self-reflection; that is the beauty of digesting Nietzsche’s work.
Empowerment and Action
Read Nietzsche with an eye toward learning about yourself and creating purpose for your life. He was a very interesting character; an artist at heart. He loved to write and also to make music. He was driven by passionate discussion and connecting with others authentically.
In my opinion, Nietzsche was a creative genius, and he invites his reader to explore human passion and to create experiences; living intentionally, rather than submissively.
Without the oversight of a God or a Master, humans have endless potential to shape destiny . Taking this perspective urges the reader to find joy in every day. Whether that is a love of art or a love of a significant other or love of nature. There are literally endless possibilities to experience and create. We are the only creator of joy in our minds.
Finding the Joy
The key to unlocking this joy, then, lies in utilizing personal freedom and power to make individual choices. Instead of living life passively, impacted by every external event; humans must live actively, driven by the internal values developed through experience.
Isn’t eternity actually the present moment? Why wait for a heaven when you can have heaven on earth, in your heart, in your mind?
Joy comes to us as we embrace the idea that our experience is surrounded with so much beauty. And this joy is only available in the now. You can’t save joy for later. Look at the flowers, snuggle with your partner, enjoy the sunshine on your skin.
There is joy to be found even in the darkest moments of life.
Nietzsche was a man of great wisdom. He opens many doors and allows his reader to choose when to enter. He is my favorite philosopher, perhaps because his thoughts are incredibly misunderstood. His authenticity, though, is something I strive for every day.