Your goal for this post is to develop and express a perspective on Nietzsche, the "philosopher of Power." Your post will become the basis of a 3-page reaction paper on Nietzsche's thought, due before Xmas break. I will comment on some of the posts if I have a suggestion or idea to add.
In summary, Nietzsche joined aspects of Kant and Schopenhauer with the theories of Evolution and Physics to explain reality in a truly new way. For Nietzsche, "this world is the Will to Power, and nothing else! And you yourself are also the Will to Power, and nothing else!" This means that everything in our universe is a force expressing its power either against or in combination with other forces - electrons, trees, teachers, and countries are all versions or "expressions" of this cosmic force, the Will to Power. Nietzsche encourages us to embrace our power to create new ethical values and live the life we imagine, going beyond anything humanity has been before to reach the status of Overman. In short, evolve beyond your limitations and become something great! That choice to become awesome gives meaning to our lives in this meaningless universe. It's like your own subjective version of Aristotle's concept of the telos, or purpose of something's existence. To begin, re-watch and take basic notes on the three 8-Bit Philosophy videos about Nietzsche: -Ontology of Forces: Nietzsche's attack on the Platonic/Christian Dualism -Epistemology of Perspectives: Nietzsche's critique of the concept of Truth in Science -Ethics of Self-Overcoming: Nietzsche's challenge to embrace the Eternal Return of your life Then, if you want, check out this longer video about Nietzsche as well. which describes his life and "advice." Once you're done with the videos and notes, and you feel like you have a basic grasp on Nietzsche's core viewpoints, think about these ideas, and decide what YOU have to say about them. Do you think he has anything worthwhile to say? Few people end up completely agreeing or disagreeing with his ideas, mainly because he has so many of them! Instead, you can focus on one or two ideas to discuss. Or you can talk about how some of Nietzsche's thinking applies to an activity or field you enjoy. You might even give an explanation of his ideas followed by a point-by-point critique. The goal is to say something both personal and perceptive, meaning it shows understanding of the material while providing insightful commentary about it. NOTE ON GRADING OF YOUR NIETZSCHE PAPERS: Nietzsche would hate the concept of "grading," yet equally hate the idea of treating everyone's work as "equally good" (as I've said before, once you truly grasp Nietzsche's philosophy you realize it is all about the necessity of conflict, i.e. PARADOX). So I'm going to grade you in a way that is as close to his standards as possible: I will be assigning scores based on how individual, how proudly subjective, how reflective of real struggle with these ideas a paper is. . Was its writing guided by an active, creative will to power bent on expressing a truly original thought? Or was it written reactively, resentfully, as an attempt to just get done with an assignment instead of wrestle with the challenges Nietzsche lays before us?
48 Comments
Emilie Weiner
12/8/2015 06:56:08 pm
Our last assignment from you, Mr. Biggs, asked us to work on overcoming something that we felt was holding us back from reaching our full potential, something Nietzsche would have regarded as a limit. His idea of the "overman", or someone who is beyond human, is something that has resonated with me, especially after our discussion in class. I believe, in similar ways that Nietzsche did, that we often limit ourselves. No to say that these inhibitions don't stem from influences and societal norms, but we are all creatures of potential. And Nietzsche's idea of Will to Power has instilled in us the power to create and thrive in a place that so often bogs us down. If we create meaning, like Nietzsche argued as well, then we are often responsible for whatever it is that's holding us back. That being said, it is also our responsibility and within our range of capability (though often doubted) to break past those limits and harness our power for goodness; there is seldom enough of that in this world. The combined force of every man trying to become an overman would be a beautiful synthesis of perspective, and I commend Nietzsche for envisioning a world that so subtly encouraged a person to look for the best in oneself, whether or not he realized he was doing so.
Reply
Shea Cody
12/9/2015 10:01:54 am
I personally agree with most of the ideas Niechzsche and think he was decades ahead of his time when he began to publish his writings. The idea of an overman is one that I think in theory would make society more progressive if all people persued it. It would make people more conscious of each other and their surrounding and make society work more cohesively. However the idea of a power to will I think is one that could not always yield the best results. I believe this because people would interpret and use it as a way to validate violence against other people, living things, and the environment. This would lead to other disasters around the world and people would be okay committing these disasters because it was their will to power.
Reply
Natalie Hillier
12/9/2015 10:36:16 am
In my opinion, most of what Nietzsche discusses is true in the sense that we,as human beings, have the ability to either progress or dwell in mediocrity. We have a limitless potential to become what Nietzsche describes as the "over man" and it is up to our Will to Power to pursue that goal or not. In the Nietzschean sense, humans are just a part of an on-going process of evolution and in order to unlock the next phase of evolution you must progress and constantly build yourself up into truly becoming the "over man". I find Nietzsche's philosophy to be utterly inspiring in the way that it reassures you that there is consistent growth and development depending on the amount of effort you put into that growth.
Reply
Jane Breslin
12/9/2015 01:42:49 pm
For the most part, I agree with Nietzsche. Humans naturally fear things because of the unknown outcomes. We like some sort of stability in our lives, whether it is constantly doing something different everyday like skydiving one day and scuba diving the next, or having an average routine. Something new can cause us to be curious and excited, but also scared. In this mindset, we often limit ourselves from completing actions that terrify us. I would agree that most people should constantly challenge themselves in order to overcome these fears and limits. Others sometimes need a small push to realize the potential they hold. People always have room for improvement since such potential is only limited by our minds. Speaking of which, we are vastly different in the way we think and what we believe. As a result, living a simple life like Taoism or Buddhists can be considered the “will to power” for them or simply just be called living a simple life. They intertwine with one another. Although people need a helping hand once in a while, I largely disagree with forcing people to believe in one thought process that others think is the “right” way, much like what Nietzsche believes. As long as no one disrespects another person’s existence or forces another to conform, then each person should believe what they want since all of us are individuals with differing thoughts.
Reply
Biggs
12/9/2015 06:44:42 pm
You interpret Nietzsche's philosophy as an analysis of potential - what separates us from our potential, or lets us actualize it in creative ways - hence Nietzsche is wrong to claim he can decide which manifestations of the will to power are "good" or "bad." He would probably respond that certain values objectively enhance the feeling of life, power, strength, etc, and therefore lead to more creative existences - a simple Taoist life is not that. But I think you might be onto something!
Reply
Haley Watson
12/9/2015 01:49:19 pm
During our Nietzsche discussions, I have been most intrigued with Nietzsche’s thoughts on reasoning. Society typically views reasoning as a display of our individuality or uniqueness. Nietzsche believes that reasoning is not unique; rather, it is just another display of society’s presence in our beliefs. For example, most of the decisions individuals make are based on the values they have been taught, whether at home or in school. I think true decisions are based on values that people have gained from personal experiences or hardships. In a world where we are handed the “correct” ideals, how are we supposed stand on our own two feet? Nietzsche encourages individuals to go beyond the limitations society has crafted and to create their own achievements, which I strongly agree with.
Reply
To me Nietzsche has some philosophys and ideas. To start the will to power to me seems like a good idea. Some things are what they are, like lions eating zebras. To some it is terrible, but they are doing what they can to thrive in the world. There are no morals to come in the way and potential of the lion.Things are supposed to be a certain way and things like morals can get in the way, like a bystander watching the lion chase the zebra could shoot the lion to make sure the zebra lives. The lion could still try to fight the shot but it would defiantly kill it stopping its chances to will to power. The will of power breaks any ideas that could/might have been forced into your head for many reasons. That's why I like it. I also like the of the überman. It makes people try to strive to be stronger then a normal human. They would have to revel in suffering and be OK where as a normal person would probably feel suffering and try to get away from it.
Reply
Biggs
12/9/2015 06:42:11 pm
So Nietzsche's philosophy primarily provides inspiration and strength in times of suffering, by reminding us that the world is a conflict of forces and we can always reject false ideas and return to that reality to draw newfound power from the creative "opennes" of reality. He'd like that :)
Reply
Nietzsche has a lot of good points and Ideas. The main idea I would like to focus on is how Christian morality and it's affects on people. Nietzsche says that Christianity makes people conform easier or want to be in this state of mediocrity because they are following their book and lord. Thi̴̢̨̧̢̛̛̼̝̯͇͙̞̫͇͚̞̱̥͍̤̱̓͌̈́̀͒͆̀̋̈́͋̄̌̉̋͝͝͠s couldn't be any more of a realistic idea especially today. The only difference is that mediocrity comes from society more then anything else. A person can and will be shamed by anyone and everyone who deems an action inappropriate or wrong. (Realistically a shepherd will say that is wrong and the herd will say that is wrong, just to follow the shepherd). An example of this is free-thinker who is shamed for have ideas that are either, "Politically incorrect", "Too extreme", "Doesn't support an agenda", or "hurts someone's feelings". These bounds of extreme and incorrect is defined by one shepherd and will be spewed around by the "sheeple". They just follow the shepherd because they think they are helping a greater good. Another example is that children sports. They can be considered too coddled and they make kids who strive for success through true skill feel like trash because the awful kid who is benched the entire season is called good when the top performer is getting the same or less praise; all because people want to boost everyone's egos. The main goal or the greater good is that if they all feel like winners, maybe they will strive for success throughout all of life.
Reply
Abby Westgate
12/9/2015 08:01:22 pm
I think it is interesting that Nietzsche believes our world "encourages mediocrity." The ways in which we live have definitely changed since Nietzsche's time, and I think there are examples that both concede and refute his argument. For example, the fact that children often receive participation trophies supports Nietzsche's ideas, but I do not think our world necessarily celebrates mediocrity. In one of the 8-bit philosophy videos, the narrator says that if a basketball team completely destroyed and defeated the other basketball team, the coach of the winning team might be fired for humiliating the opposing team. I do not think our world is this extreme in sheltering those that appear "weaker." There are aspects of our society that definitely support cutthroat competition--the coach on the RFH team was not punished for completely destroying us at the states game (I'm sorry I had to bring it up). There are no participation trophies for taking the SAT, and people pretty much shrug their shoulders at failure when you get to a certain age. Perhaps we only encourage "mediocrity" in children, but even this isn't mediocrity. This is an attempt at encouraging them to keep going until they discover what they are good at.
Reply
:)
12/10/2015 03:31:32 pm
Reply
Biggs
12/13/2015 08:14:12 pm
Do you think that the deepening hold of capitalist values over our culture have man cutthroat competition "cool again"? If that is the case, we might be right to encourage even "mediocre" children, because otherwise they might feel they have nothing to offer in this competition and give up (sort of how Nietzsche thinks humanity as a whole needed religion, even though it encouraged mediocrity, because it at least provided enough meaning/purpose to keep us out of the nihilistic 'abyss').
Reply
Biggs
12/9/2015 09:09:16 pm
I don't usually share my opinion on things like this, but Nietzsche is such a huge influence on me as a thinker and a person that I wanted to give my perspective on his ideas. I see Nietzsche's philosophy, as I've said in class, as mixing the new sciences of Astronomy/Physics and Evolutionary Biology into ontology and ethics. If the universe is a huge, possibly infinite space where forces blindly collide, and these forces randomly evolved life which is a struggle for survival, then we have to come up with a whole new philosophy - because some people would find such a view of life "meaningless" (that is what Nietzsche calls "nihilism," giving up on life as meaningless). So Nietzsche STARTS from nihilism, says everything is meaningless in this cold, infinite universe and on this tiny, brutal planet - he doesn't see how anyone can believe in God after science has shown that the universe does not seem to be created a Higher Power, but random force. BUT, that means we must create our own new meanings or "values" for our lives, turning them into an artistic or creative process of self-development. In doing so, we become a little universe unto ourselves, a creative chaos organized in a unique way that is as powerful and dangerous (The Lion) as it is beautiful and innocent (The Child). Ultimately, this leads to an overcoming of the artificial limits we develop around the idea of "human nature," and we can become Ubermenschen - Overmen, free but self-disciplined spirits who follow our own will and live dangerously, accepting and loving our lives whatever struggles they entail.
Reply
Gabriela Recalde
12/10/2015 05:42:09 am
Nietzsche's philosophy puts pressure on the individual to take control of their own life and surpass those around them through their "will to power". I believe that one reason that many people don't agree with his ideas is because a fear of personal responsibility has developed in humanity(more noticeably the younger generations although this mindset has obviously always existed and didn't just manifest the second that the first millennial baby was born). The thought that we have control of our "life paths" (to a reasonable extent) scares people as they want to shy away from blame and rely on others to help them and make their lives easier. While I don't encourage a life full of suffering and pain like the one that Nietzsche himself endured, I strongly believe that in order to overcome and become better people, we need to have things to overcome in the first place. I recognize that everyone has some sort of mental, physical, or emotional struggle in their lives, but I have also observed that many people smooth over them, whether with other people, resources, or denial, instead of actually facing them and using them to fuel their lives. There is no problem with trying to make your life easier, but making your life easy by avoiding all challenges or conflicts can block you from new opportunities, experiences, and the chance to become an Übermensch.
Reply
Biggs
12/13/2015 08:42:21 pm
Right, the thought that we have any control over our life's trajectory (Nietzsche didn't think we have "total" free will, but we can "choose" to follow our will or not, and how) is scary. V for Vendetta makes this same point, showing how everyone wants to find a "Father Figure" to tell them how to live instead of plotting their own path. Nietzsche really emphasizes how people avoid personal responsibility through the faith in a Higher Power, be it God ("this is all part of a predetermined plan, so it will all be ok") or Government ("I didn't do anything wrong, I was just following orders!").
Reply
Griffin Leslie
12/10/2015 10:23:58 am
I believe that Nietzsche would be unhappy but intrigued by the world that we live in today. Nietzsche is constantly preaching for people to avoid following the herd and instead pursue their own individuality. I feel as if we have avoided this concept as a society. Those who attempt to try new things or act in a different way are often out righted as weird. I think that Nietzsche would be especially unhappy with the way people are not recognized for their individual accomplishments.
Reply
Griffin Leslie
12/10/2015 10:36:41 am
Cont. During many types of athletic competition people are continually given participation awards for simply taking part instead of being based on their performance in the activity. Nietzsche would dislike this because of the fact that it groups everyone into a herd and implies that they all performed "equally" as well. I find sports such as running in track and field or cross country as a great way to develop an individualistic attitude. In this type of sport when you have to run a race, it's only you and the clock. Nothing else can decide how you perform besides yourself and based upon this performance, you try to strive to become better as the individual athlete that you are.
Reply
Kelly Gagliano
12/10/2015 12:16:53 pm
Personally, I believe that Nietzsche's belief about how we should have no beliefs is totally ass (sry not sry). Having a solid belief system is the foundation of how we live our lives. Often times, people rely on a strong belief system, like their faith, for example, to give them direction. All of their questions and wonders are answered by this system that is already set in stone. Many people are simply not strong or creative enough to create their own path. Nor can they think deeply enough to create their own "organized chaos". People are like sheep and follow the thing that they can most thoroughly comprehend. If they can't comprehend it, they can't believe it. From the way that I am viewing it, Nietzsche's overman is optimistic. He is optimistic in his hope that every person can lead themselves. He is optimistic in his hope that every person can be their own Shepard, when in reality, everyone is just a sheep.
Reply
Biggs
12/13/2015 07:59:16 pm
Interesting assessment! I enjoy Nietzsche, but mainly because I like debates, and he certainly opens up a lot of them by challenging everything (and his writing is beautiful). In terms of the content of his philosophy, I agree with you - it's not realistic to think most people , and so it's not fair to BLAME them, as Nietzsche often seems to (and the point that you can't really believe without "comprehending" is a really good one - we can only believe what we can conceive). People definitely base a huge portion of their lives on imitation and conformity, the "herd instinct" as Nietzsche called it. Certainly it is too optimistic to think the majority of humans could overcome that instinct - some would even argue our beliefs come out of our instinctual need for safety and comfort.
Reply
Julia Nijnens
12/10/2015 12:32:29 pm
For Nietzsche,"this world is the Will to Power, and nothing else! And you yourself are also the Will to Power, and nothing else!". The world is a place of power, but also so much more. We need to have beliefs and morals to keep ourselves going everyday. The society will live in today has people at total opposites. Some humans don't strive for power, they strive to accomplish goals and be themselves. Some people are very content with being seen and not heard. Whereas some go for the best of the best and the top notch supplies for everything. They want their name out there and to be known. But since opposites exits, Nietzsche's theory of an overman is completely insane. Yes I give him props for thinking that up, but I give him no props at the fact it is not realistic. He wants everyone to lead themselves and strive for the best of the best when in reality some need guidance, and some enjoy the mediocre. He doesn't take into consideration that we are all just puzzle pieces contributing to the overall image.
Reply
Skye Post
12/10/2015 02:40:29 pm
"He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you."
Reply
Biggs
12/13/2015 08:25:14 pm
Great post! We are closest to the abyss of nihilism - resenting life, embracing nothingness - when we become less interested in realizing our potential than suppressing someone else's So you're right to say that hurting others for the sake of yourself is dangerous, even from Nietzsche's perspective. It turn us into the kind of "hater" that he warn us not to be ("I wish only to be a Yes-Sayer!")
Reply
Devon Barnes
12/10/2015 05:07:37 pm
Personally, I agree with two of Nietzshce's most important beliefs: "the Will to Power" and the "overman." After that last little experiment we had to do in this I realized how powerful "the Will to Power" essentially is. I just willed myself to overcome my laziness about taking my dog out but even that influenced me. I came to realize that if I used this will to overcome the important conflicts in my life, it would end up making a huge impact for the better. Another belief of Nietzsche that I agree with is his concept of the "overman." I agree that it is possible for man to evolve yet again into this form that fully experiences "the Will to Power."
Reply
Michael Wolff
12/10/2015 05:23:48 pm
I agree with Nietzshce's beliefs on "the will to power". I believe he's trying to say that you can control your destiny, and your power holds your destiny. It depends on how much power you want to have and fight for. No one controls your power but you. Overman means to me evolving step by step in your life you go through ups and downs and these help you mature and turn into a better person. Overcoming these stages is what makes you strong and have belief and love in everything you do.
Reply
Aidan Murphy
12/10/2015 06:19:09 pm
In my opinion the Nitchzches will to power is a very accurate way of describing the truth that competition is real and unavoidable and that even though things are diverse and hard to compare that certain things and people can be better than others in a very natural sense. I think that informality caters to people that afraid to be great and who are only good at fitting in rather than standing out. I think people should be more individual but do it for themselves if they want to.
Reply
Dannielle Wolf
12/10/2015 06:29:13 pm
Nietzsche's idea of the overman is a concept that really resonates with me. In the "Time is a Flat Circle" video, they go into detail explaining what the overman is. The video says that being an overman is being completely okay with experiencing the worst moments of your life for eternity. I believe that the worst moments, along with the best moments, are what truly define me. I would relive any moment in my life, even the darkest ones, because at this point in time, I am happy and on my way to reaching goals. Even in the present, when I go through a particularly rough time, I am constantly comforted by the idea that a new day will eventually come. Though some people will dismiss this as too optimistic, I don't think there is anything wrong it. I would say I'm being realistic with expecting good and bad things instead of just the worst. I agree with Nietzsche when he says that enduring struggle and hardship (as the camel) will lead you to eventually start questioning boundaries set by others (as the lion). Finally, as the child, we are free to make our own values. I am okay with the worst moments because I know there will be better moments.
Reply
Biggs
12/13/2015 08:30:12 pm
Excellent summary and assessment of Nietzsche's ethics!! Without those worst moments, there would be nothing to overcome, no reason to create meaning in our lives as a reason to go on... That's why, like you say, you have to be the suffering Camel, and then the independent Lion, to become the Child, the "innocence and forgetting" that makes possible new experiements in living freely.
Reply
Ricky Wild
12/10/2015 07:51:15 pm
I was unaware of how much I typed until I finished. Kind of did this in one take and without much revision, please excuse any spelling mistakes.
Reply
Biggs
12/13/2015 08:34:14 pm
So you have a kind of half-and-half assessment of Nietzsche: he's right about the need for independence, but fails to see that even a member of the "herd" lives a unique existence that is part of an evolutionary PROCESS which is UNIVERSAL. You are close in some ways to the philosophy of GWF Hegel, who was the first to respond to Kant - your "final step" of humanity is close to the potential he sees in our species as well :)
Reply
Jessica Auriemma
12/10/2015 08:32:58 pm
I agree with many of Nietzsche’s points such as that it is up to the individual to assign or find meaning to one’s life. I agree that life is meaningless until someone gives it a meaning. However, I do not always believe it is the individual who assigns their own meaning to their life. Many times when a person is unable to give themselves meaning, a more powerful person or force will impose their own meaning onto the person. Many times people are not even given the opportunity to find a meaning to their lives because they have been forced to partake in someone else’s idea of what life should be about. For example, nearly all children go to school since it is required by law. From a young age we are taught that the meaning of life is to be successful and the only way to do so is by getting an education, finding a stable and well paying job and then eventually settling down. This results in many people being unable to distinguish financial success from personal success or happiness (which was seen when I asked people what their meaning was last cass). This “meaning” to life is opposed on children at such a young age that many accept it as the true meaning and never try to challenge the “Thou Shalt” Dragon that is our society as Nietzsche would call it. Though for the few who can break from the norm and find their own meaning in their lives, they have achieved the Overman. I think Nietzsche’s idea of the Overman is wonderful. His thinking that individuals could possibly evolve into free-spirited people that follow their own will really appeals to me. Moreover, I agree with his idea that if such evolution is ever to take place that it would have to be within the individual since the species as a whole will always fail (at least in the state our society is in now. If humans could learn to be less materialistic and see that following your own path may not lead you to be rich and famous but it will lead you to personal happiness. Changes definitely need to be made in order for humans as a species to all be able to reach the state of becoming the Overman). I also believe Nietzsche is correct in saying that many of our limits are self imposed since many of the limits we face are not physical limits but rather social or mental blocks; things we are physically capable of doing but we fear how other would react if we did them. However, the one thing I disagree with is that our society embraces mediocrity. I believe now more than ever people, especially younger generations, are expected to do as much as they possibly can because we are all in constant competition to see who can do the most. Getting average grades in school and doing enough to just slip by is no longer enough. Every since I was a freshman people told me to join this club, volunteer here, take this extra class, etc. because it was time to start building up my college resume. If our society truly accepted mediocrity, I would not have had 10+ people tell me that because I do not play a sport that I should join as many clubs as possible because I need to do SOMETHING in order to stand out. I believe today more than ever people feel like if you are not doing the most you possibly can then you might as well be doing nothing which is an outrageous and horrible mindset but I think it is where most people (at least the people I come into contact with) are at.
Reply
Biggs
12/29/2015 01:39:23 pm
Our society embraces both status and mediocrity, it seems, in a weird paradox. Everyone gets a trophy in kindergarten, but then everyone fights to the death to get into college. Everyone gets Social Security (supposedly), but try to say we should be more economically equal and you're called a Communist. But the things we consider to represent excellence or superiority are not what Nietzsche would call greatness, because it's all quantity over quality today: The HIGHEST grades, the MOST extracurriculars, the BIGGEST house, etc. ... None of it is creative, all of it is reactive. Nietzsche hates competition UNLESS it is chosen between mutually-respectful rivals as a form of overcoming. He'd say we basically have the worst society possible :(
Reply
Cody Zimmerman
12/10/2015 08:35:28 pm
It is clear that Nietzsche found influence through the works of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and the foundation of scientific thought, but I wonder just what separates us humans from that theory. If I were to guess, I would say that Nietzsche used his newly discovered scientific knowledge and applied it Darwin's theory in an attempt to plot the line of our evolutionary path, per say. Darwin clarified that, through the process of evolution, the life on this planet grows into something more adept and proficient than what it once was, specifically speaking; each species. My own theory would suggest that Nietzsche was the first to figure that humans can do the same, and it became a matter of explaining how and why to the public.
Reply
Biggs
12/13/2015 07:51:32 pm
Fantastic reflection, Cody. I'm glad you picked up on the importance of Darwin for Nietzsche's thought. The big difference is that Nietzsche thinks our evolutionary path as humans has become warped by society, which has to suppress our instincts - but, as he says, those same instincts keep making their demands even once we have built walls and declared ourselves civilized! So, whereas animals struggle for life AGAINST other animals (kill or be killed), humans struggle WITHIN ourselves. So whatever human evolution willl still take place is not based on a battle for mere existence of the SPECIES, but for particular INDIVIDUALS to evolve BEYOND the species through some kind of creative, conscious act of self-overcoming ... "One must have chaos in oneself to give birth to a dancing star" :) No other animal is as conflicted or creative as the conscious human being caught on the tightrope between beast and Overman. But what is potential except tension? Here's a great quote from Nietzsche's Geneology of Morality that sums it up well:
Reply
Eric Banal
12/10/2015 09:00:59 pm
I agree with "the will to power". I believe everyone has control over their own lives. People's successes and failures all depend on themselves. The last experiment we had to do showed me this. I wanted to see if I could control my own laziness. Essentially, I could and so could everyone else. Many times I wouldn't complete assignments on time due to laziness and that led to me getting grades that weren't so great. However, doing late work was my own "will to power". It was all my fault that I handed in late assignments. But with "the will to power," I can be responsible for my successes too. Handing in things on time was my own doing and that led to my successes. I used my "will to power" to create success. I firmly believe in Nietzsche"s theory.
Reply
Kelly Cruz
12/10/2015 10:02:17 pm
I agree with the majority of Nietzsche's aspects as he basically shows us that we all have the potential to become something great and overcome things with his idea of the Ubermensch (Overman) and the Will to Power. Ubermensch sets a goal for humanity and we are the ones who have to try to reach that goal and once we do, then we can truly be an Overman. If people aim to reach high and set high goals, then we as a society can evolve together. The Will to Power is something I really liked about Nietzsche as it is believed to be the driving force within humans in order to reach our highest potential as humans.
Reply
Steven Ansell
12/11/2015 01:32:07 pm
In Nietzsche's book "Human, all too human" he acknowledges the limitations of science by saying "Science has no considerations for ultimate purposes." This point is discussed to a further extent in the second 8-bit Philosophy video. I completely agree with Nietzsche's take on science, as it is a subject that merely gives explanations as to "how" things work, but fails to inform us on "why" things work. Although Science is far more relevant to our lives than other subjects ...**((math))**...,,, it still seems somewhat meaningless to me because of its lack of reasoning. The fact that so many people are blind to this is shocking to me. I think if Nietzsche's philosophies were studied on a broader scale, people would generally become more informed on the ideas of Science, social classes, evolution and time.
Reply
Biggs
12/13/2015 08:47:25 pm
This is a really interesting point because it brings up the question: can science not provide us with "why" because it lacks the right tools, or is there NO "why" out there to begin with except the interpretations we invent (as Nietzshce would say)?
Reply
Erin Kelly
12/13/2015 06:27:52 pm
I agree with Nietzsche's thoughts and statements because like the story of the man with the lantern living in a box, I can be happy with almost nothing. I completely understand his thinking of how people should be "awesome" and awesome being that you create your own destiny and don't conform to what the rest of society and their paths but also not believing that your choices are better than others. this is also one of the few philosophers that I've understood in class so that's another reason I interpret it better
Reply
Zoe Kralyevich
12/14/2015 07:44:52 am
I agree with Nietzsche on a number of topics. I like his idea of the two cliffs and you are on a tightrope trying to become the "overman". I believe your will to power is very important and that you should act entirely on your wants and needs and not what is expected of others. I also like his view of humans and how they are basically monkeys, as said in the video "Dance Monkeys Dance". I believe with this mindset of not having to prove yourself to anyone but yourself, I think that we can go exceedingly far in life. If you have only your goals in mind, you will go towards great lengths to accomplish them. He may be one of my favorite philosophers so far because he knows that you can accomplish great things with a simple mindset.
Reply
Timmy Mills
12/14/2015 12:30:02 pm
Nietzsche’s ideas are really weird. Not in the sense that it’s just “what’s this moron talking about”, they are awesome concepts but I go so back and forth on them it’s hard to find some solid opinion on him. On the one hand, bashing someone’s beliefs and way of living is not a good thing to do; I mean I hate people who preach about how I should be living my life. On the other I really like his idea of finding your own meaning and beliefs to live by that seems like a pretty good way to live. Ti feel like he just wanted people to find their own purpose, and not draw meaning out of something like religion or a political figure. I feel that he saw those types of people like mindless drones who weren’t really living. Granted, he was kind of a jerk when trying to get his point across, but his points were fair nonetheless. Overall I believe Nietzsche's ideas and philosophy are brilliant, studying his ideas really made me think about what it means to be human. I believe he thought we should find and walk our own path, and not look to others to make it for us.
Reply
Katelyn Johnson
12/14/2015 06:20:59 pm
Above all the philosophers we have discussed, I have felt the most engaged with Nietzsche. It's scary to look at the way society has raised us and not question it. Whether it's doing exceptionally well in school, having a great job, or simply being happy, nothing is ever enough in the society we live in today. If one person acted like the man with the lantern today, we would shun him because that is what society has taught us. For my Nietzsche project, I asked a friend of mine who does not usually wear makeup to wear it for a few days while I did not wear makeup. It made me realize (other than it being fantastic to get 30 more minutes of sleep) that society set up a standard to wear makeup and if you are a female and do not wear makeup, you are considered lazy. You need a purpose to wear makeup. After the few days, I felt disgusted by my own face because not wearing makeup made me feel ugly. I started to wear makeup simply because I liked it, but society made me feel like I had to wear it every single day.
Reply
Biggs
12/29/2015 01:42:47 pm
Great point with the makeup thing, and great idea for the experiment! Yes, the will to power is everywhere, and most people (being "reactive," not "active") find power in making other people obey or be like them. Safety in numbers ... But as you say "people must overcome themselves" to create anything worthwhile, and if our society becomes a giant peer-pressure based herd (most of the pressures serving to make us BUY things like makeup) then "no one will be able to create."
Reply
Kristen Wimmer
12/14/2015 08:22:39 pm
right from when we began to learn abort Nietzche I realized how much I could benefit from applying some of his ideas to my own life (every ones' life for the matter). The will to power focuses on the individual. It ceases what Nietsche deems "the herd" mentality or what we refer to as mainstream, usual, NORMAL. To use your will to break away from these predetermined ideas of what is "good" and "bad" in order to pursue a greatness suited for your best interests- that is something extraordinary, I wish humanity saw this more often. I think visionaries like Steve Jobs, Shakespeare, and Quentin Tarantino fit this profile well and have therefore made their lives works of art from which mankind can marvel and even evolve. The key in Nietzsche's philosophy is to do things for yourself, which can be good, as demonstrated by these lives, or bad. I, like many people sure, have a problem doing things for myself. A lot of times I'll seek a solution to a problem that will make my parents worry less (just an example) even if it will harm me in the long run. I've learned that this way of going about life doesn't seek to benefit anyone because it all comes crashing down at some point.
Reply
Biggs
12/29/2015 01:32:01 pm
Right, isn't any person who achieved anything "visionary" something of a Nietzschean, breaking from the herd's view and daring to see things with fresh eyes? I like to think of feminism in this context, since a male-dominated view of the world remained in effect in Western Culture until people like Mary Wollestonecraft challenged it from their perspective.
Reply
presley gaetano
12/15/2015 11:25:16 am
Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy is one of perspective and individuality. I agree when Nietzsche says that the only thing that matters is your own perspective because everything is subjective and unique to your own life. For example, one may view an event and be sad, depressed, anxious, yet another will see the same event and be happy for the opportunities it will bring. It is important to develop your own ideas, because your life is like no one else's.
Reply
Hannah Wallis
12/16/2015 05:34:06 am
I agree with Nietzche when he states that you must push your limits in order to overcome something. I listen to our discussions in class and when you read us the parable of the lion and the child, it really resonated with me. I believe society today has made our generation very sheltered and vulnerable. No one seems to know how to take a joke anymore without getting offended or overly critical about it. I think Nietzche would call these people wimps and keep testing their boundaries. He wants us to be the strongest and best people we can become, the german. And by doing so we need to exceed our limits and push through our weaknesses so we can essentially become something more great and powerful. He wants us to stop living in fear and embrace our flaws to live life to its fullest potential. Although this is a dangerous thought and act, I believe he is on to something big.
Reply
Biggs
12/30/2015 04:34:21 pm
I love the parable of the three forms of the spirit! And I agree strongly about "sheltering." My parents had crazy childhoods, so they raised me in a super-secure but also super strict environment - obviously they thought it was the best thing for me based on their experience, but they forgot Nietzsche's point that "one must have chaos [to create] a dancing star"! I was very much the Camel as a young kid, a "reverent spirit" who wanted to get the gold star and be teacher's pet - but once I started to realize that lot of what I was being taught had little basis for belief (my first philosophical thoughts!) I became the angry lion for a looooong time, always arguing, trying to explain to people why they were narrow-minded or committing fallacies. Eventually, though, you just realize that doesn't work, OR MATTER. Once you've cut through the BS for yourself, it's time to start painting a Self on that clean new canvas you reveal. As I said in class, it's only in the last couple years that I feel I've finally reached (at least some of the time) this creative stage Nietzsche calls Childhood. But I agree, it is worth the struggle: "For no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." Yes, it's dangerous, but the alternative is deeply WASTEFUL of your potential, which ALWAYS exceeds what you think you can do.
Reply
logan applegate
12/16/2015 05:39:17 am
I think his philosophy of the individual is really powerful. He really wants us to focus on being ourselves and our true potential. He's like that dad that keeps pushing you and pushing you cause he thinks and knows you can go just a little bit farther past your limit. He has really motivated me t go out and try my best especially because I play a sport. Now I think about myself more but not in a selfish way. I think about how I can better my state of mid a well as my physical state as well.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorArchives
April 2016
Categories |