A Defense of Nietzsche & Revolutionary Thinking
I found the following excerpt in an essay entitled "The Incorporation of Nietzsche the Modest Revolutionary," written by a Loyola University student, which expresses the primary reasons why I find Friedrich Nietzsche to be a very interesting and inspiring philosopher, despite his reputation as 'evil', 'amoral', or 'anti-Christian'. Although Nietzsche certainly has many qualms with traditional western civilization, as well as Christianity, his thoughts often express a sort of revolutionary individualism and nonconformist edge that I find very appealing. Consider this exerpt:
Ironically, the modesty of Nietzsche’s thought was often the very source of inspiration for revolutionaries. From his modesty about the limits to which the philosopher and historian could interpret meaning in human history, an awareness emerged -- an awareness based on the idea that contemporary structures of thought had no eternal sources of justification outside the accidents and preferences of human history. Nietzsche’s modest perspective opened up the possibility for productive change in the fundamental ways humans give meaning to the world and the way they understand and react to the events of history. Nietzsche’s thought can give validity to a change in perspective and values, which, in turn, gives hope in times when people are dissatisfied with their contemporary world. In short, Nietzsche’s thought can give to individuals the responsibility of constructing meaning and understanding in their lives.
This form of self-determination which charges each individual with the task of discovering meaning for his or herself resonates with the primary ideas of revolutionary, nonconformist and anti-establishmentarian principles. Nietzsche challenges the individual to define themself. Contrary to the societal norms of passivity and subservience, Nietzsche advocates an active role in society -- one that brings progress and change where society is lacking. Nietzsche said:
"The human being who has become free -- and how much more the spirit has become free -- spits on the contemptible type of well-being dreamed of by shopkeepers, cows, Englishmen, and other democrats. The free man is a warrior." -- Friedrich Nietzsche (Skirmishes of an Untimely Man, p. 542)
No doubt this form of extreme individualism and contrarianism may be alarming to some, as it threatens the very fabric of social and political norms. This may be one of the primary reasons Nietzsche's works have generated so much controversy. When applied as a general attitude of intolerance or supremacism, this form of philosophy will doubtless do more harm than good, but if interpreted as a challenge to rise above mediocrity, this philosophy that The free man is a warrior could affect great change in our society, calling the strong and able to stand up unflinchingly for what is right.
The teachings of Nietzsche are invaluable when facing oppression and complacency, the two primary enemies of the revolutionary. Nietzsche teaches that each person must find truth for themself, and then live according to that truth without exception. Nietzsche leaves no room for comfort, for the self-indulgent exception-to-the-rule. Nietzsche's overman must live as a warrior, as a revolutionary, and as a leader, regardless of the leanings of society. The revolutionary must fight for principle and justice wherever government or society stray from truth. The revolutionary is truly an overman in the purest sense of the word.
posted by Dan @ 2:20 PM
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