Human nature and the external world are often seen as separate entities, with the former rooted in consciousness and the latter existing independently of it. But what if this distinction is merely a narrative we’ve constructed to make sense of our existence? Absurdism, which posits the inherent meaninglessness of life, encourages us to question these boundaries.
The Nature of Existence
Is the world a singular “one” entity, or is it separate from human nature? If the world does not exist without humans, then it might be an aspect of consciousness, shaped by our perceptions, emotions, and thoughts.
On the other hand, if the world exists independently, then human nature itself must also be part of this broader consciousness. The distinction between “human nature” and “nature nature” blurs when viewed through this lens, suggesting they might be facets of the same underlying reality.
The Struggle Against Nature
Humanity’s historical and ongoing struggle against nature is often framed as a battle for dominance–a quest to exert control and power. This struggle is reminiscent of Nietzsche’s concept of the “will to power,” where the drive to impose one’s will over others, or even over the natural world, becomes a central force in human life. Yet, this struggle is inherently absurd. Why fight against nature, which we are a part of?
The answer may lie in the illusion of separation–seeing ourselves as distinct from the world, rather than an aspect of the world.
Rediscovering Our Humanity
In the face of absurdity, how do we reclaim our humanity? The first step may be to recognize that the divisions we’ve created–between human nature and the external world, between “use” and “them”–and nothing but illusions. By peeling back these layers, we can reconnect with the essence of what it means to be human, acknowledging our shared experience and interdependence.
Reconnecting with the Collective Experience
To reclaim our humanity, we must embrace the idea that we are all part of a larger whole. The tribal mindset of ancient times, where the land and its challenges were a shared responsibility, can offer a valuable lesson here.
By recognizing our commonalities rather than our differences, we can begin to dismantle the barriers that have isolated us from one another.
In world driven by individualism and personal gain, this shift in perspective is crucial. The absurdity of life, as highlighted by absurdist philosophy, lies in the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. But if we accept that meaning is not given but created, we can choose to create a meaning that honors our collective humanity.
Question Power and Responsibility
The pursuit of power, whether over nature or other human beings, often leads to alienation. As societies evolved, the accumulation of wealth and influence allowed some to shirk their responsibilities to the collective, fostering the “us” vs. “them” mentality. This division not only separates people from one another but also from the natural world.
However, the will to power, as Nietzsche described it, doesn’t have to manifest in dominance or control. It can be reinterpreted as the power to create, to connect, and to foster a sense of community. By shifting our focus from individual power to collective empowerment, we can begin to reclaim the humanity that has been buried under social constructs.
The Path Forward
So, how do we get back to a place of shared humanity? It starts with questioning the narratives that have shaped our understanding of the world and our place in it. We must challenge the artificial boundaries between human nature and the external world, recognizing that they are part of the same continuum. We must also reject the notion that power is synonymous with control and instead embrace power as a force for connection and collective well-being.
In an absurd world, where meaning is elusive and often arbitrary, the act of reclaiming our humanity can itself become a powerful source of meaning. By reconnecting with the collective experience, questioning the structures of power, and embracing our shared nature, we can being to unearth the humanity that has been suffocated under layers of societal expectations and illusions.
The journey back to our true selves may be complex and fraught with challenges, but it is a journey worth undertaking. For in reclaiming our humanity, we may find that the absurdity of life is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced–a reminder that in the end, we are all in this together, navigating the same vast and mysterious world.