Nietzsche’s Superman: Philosophy, Morality, and the Will to Power
B.II. The Ethics of the Superman
The New Man
The Superman emerges after the “death of God.” Nietzsche envisions him as an individual embracing life’s values, the “sense of the earth.” This new man stands in contrast to those who adhere to traditional values, the “herd morality,” rooted in a belief in a transcendent reality that fosters contempt for life, the physical, and individual differences.
The Superman’s Emergence
The Superman becomes possible only with the complete rejection of belief in God. He cannot be identified with a privileged class based on tradition or social power (like the aristocracy) or a biologically defined group (like a race). Instead, we recognize him through his moral conduct:
1. Rejection of Slave Morality
He rejects humility, gentleness, prudence, and cowardice.
2. Rejection of Herd Behavior
Due to his ability and determination to create value rather than borrow it from society, his behavior differs from others.
3. Value Creation
While moral values are human inventions, not all men create them. Most follow established values. The Superman invents moral rules to which he subjects himself, and these values align with the world of life, allowing him to express his uniqueness and personality.
4. Embracing Finitude
He believes in no transcendent reality, neither God nor a privileged destiny for any human group. He accepts life’s limitations, including suffering, disease, and death, embodying a Dionysian spirit.
5. Rejection of Egalitarianism
He is not afraid to be different.
6. Love of Life’s Intensity
He embraces happiness, excitement, health, and sexual love.
7. Conclusion
The Superman affirms life, is the master of himself, and is a free spirit.
Zarathustra’s Three Transformations
In “Thus Spoke Zarathustra,” Nietzsche describes three transformations of the spirit: the camel, the lion, and the child. The camel represents humanity from Platonism to modernity, characterized by humility and submission to moral burdens. The lion represents the critical man of active nihilism, destroying established values. The child represents the Superman, inventing values and embracing life as an affirmation, a Dionysian figure.
B.IV. Life as a Fundamental Metaphysical Category
IV.1. Eternal Return and Vitality
The theory of eternal return is the ultimate expression of life’s affirmation. Life is fleeting, but we regain permanence if each moment lasts forever through endless repetition.
IV.2. The Will to Power: Life’s Essence
The Will to Power is the fundamental principle of reality, the primary force driving all beings to persist and become more. Nietzsche believed all things, from the inorganic to the human, are expressions of this desire for existence.
Nietzsche’s Critique and Positive Vision
Nietzsche’s writings before 1890 primarily critiqued the mindset dominating Western culture since Platonism. In his later work, “The Will to Power,” he outlined his positive vision of reality, aligning with the Dionysian concept from “The Birth of Tragedy.”
Characteristics of Being (The Will to Power)
- Irrationality: Reason is only one dimension of reality. The world is chaotic, and reason serves more basic drives like instincts and emotions.
- Unconscious: The primary force shaping reality is unconscious, even in humans.
- Lack of Finality: The manifestations of life’s forces have no inherent purpose or destination.
- Impersonality: This force is not personal but a collection of forces striving for existence and competing with each other.