Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher who challenged the conventional wisdom of his time and advocated for a radical revaluation of values. He believed that most people live in a state of self-deception, following the herd and obeying the moral rules imposed by religion and society. He called these people “the last men”, who are content with mediocrity and afraid of change.
Nietzsche urged his readers to become “free spirits”, who dare to question everything and create their own meaning and values. He said that the highest goal of human existence is to achieve the state of “the overman”, who is a master of himself and his destiny. The overman is not bound by any external authority or dogma but follows his inner voice and strives for excellence and creativity.
How can we apply Nietzsche’s ideas to our own lives? Here are some suggestions:
- Follow no one. Nietzsche warned against the dangers of idolizing or imitating anyone, whether it is a historical figure, a religious leader, a philosopher, or a celebrity. He said “There is only one path that no one can walk but you. Where does it lead? Don’t ask, walk!” Instead of following others, we should find our own path and walk it with courage and confidence.
- Trust yourself. Nietzsche encouraged us to trust our own instincts and intuitions, rather than relying on the opinions or judgments of others. He said that “the individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.” We should not let the fear of rejection or criticism stop us from expressing our true selves and pursuing our passions.
- Challenge yourself. Nietzsche believed that life is a constant struggle and that we should embrace it as an opportunity to grow and improve ourselves. He said, “What does not kill me, makes me stronger.” He also said that “he who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” We should not avoid difficulties or hardships, but face them with resilience and purpose. We should also seek out new experiences and perspectives that can enrich our minds and broaden our horizons.
- Create yourself. Nietzsche argued that we are not fixed or predetermined beings, but dynamic and creative ones. He said that “one must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.” He also said that “the essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.” We should not be satisfied with the status quo but aspire to transcend it and create something new and valuable. We should also be grateful for the gift of life and express it through our art and actions.
Nietzsche’s philosophy is not easy or comfortable, but it is inspiring and liberating. It challenges us to follow no one, trust ourselves, challenge ourselves, and create ourselves. It invites us to live authentically and passionately, and to become the best versions of ourselves. It is a guide to life for those who dare to be different.
