Friedrich Nietzsche

In “The Death of God and the Meaning of Life,” Julian Young explores Nietzsche’s critique of traditional values and his views on nihilism in the modern West. In this, Young explains the complexities of Nietzsche’s views on Nihilism. Nietzsche considered nihilism to be a cultural crisis that arose from the death of traditional religious values; he believed that this decline in religious beliefs and the erosion of traditional moral systems would create a void among humans, leaving a sense of purposelessness. Despite this, Nietzsche didn’t view nihilism as necessarily a bad thing; rather, he viewed it as an opportunity for humanity to reevaluate its values and create new ones. Nietzsche believed that nihilism could be a transitional stage that lead to the emergence of a more authentic existence.

Nietzsche was very critical of both passive nihilism, which succumbs to despair and resignation in the face of meaninglessness, and active nihilism, which seeks to dismantle established frameworks and systems without offering alternative constructive values. According to Nietzsche, both these forms of nihilism are dangerous because they involve a rejection of life itself. Essentially, by succumbing to despair or engaging in destructive behavior, individuals fail to recognize the opportunity presented by the absence of objective meaning. Nietzsche believed that the absence of inherent values could lead to a more fulfilling existence. Instead of active or passive nihilism, Nietzsche advocated for individuals to actively embrace the absence of meaning, use their own creative power, and forge their own values. 

The Ubermensch, or Superman, was a concept that Nietzsche proposed as a way to transcend nihilism. Basically, the Superman represents an individual who is not limited by traditional morality; instead, they create their own values and meaning. The Superman accepts that there are no transcendent truths or values to guide human existence; they take advantage of the freedom granted by the absence of external moral constraints and assert their own individual will and creativity. 

The Superman represents an ideal that transcends both passive and active nihilism. Nietzsche saw the Superman as an individual who embraces their own uniqueness and does not conform to herd mentality. The Superman would express their individuality freely without being constrained by the expectations and judgment of others. Additionally, Nietzsche, believed that the Superman should have a life-affirming attitude and be willing to embrace the challenges, sufferings, and uncertainties of life. This Superman would celebrate life, including all its joys and sorrows, rather than seek to escape its realities. In essence, Nietzsche believed the concept of the Superman would offer a transformative response to nihilism, encouraging individuals to embrace the absence of inherent meaning, and instead, take on the challenge of self-transformation.

In Nietzsche’s critique of morality in Essay I On the Genealogy of Morals, he challenges the established moral values of Western society. According to Nietzsche, “slave morality” emerged from weakness, people who lacked power. These people developed morality that emphasized virtues of self-sacrifice, humility, and compassion. Nietzsche saw these values as a way for the weak to gain some control of their poor circumstances; however, he also believed “slave morality” ultimately hinders human fulfillment. By encouraging self-denial and natural excellence, those with “slave morality” inhibit their ability to self-express.

In contrast, Nietzsche proposed the concept of “master morality.” He believed people with “master morality” primarily comprised the ruling class and those with power. “Master morality” embodies qualities like strength, nobility, and the assertion of individual will. Nietzsche believed everyone should have master morality; he believed it was the affirmation of one’s desires and abilities, allowing individuals to embrace their individuality and achieve their full potential. 

Based on Nietzsche’s philosophy, it’s likely he would have been highly critical of Marx. Nietzsche was not a proponent of socialism and was actually highly against it. Nietzsche believed that socialism’s emphasis on collective values suppressed individual potential and creativity. He saw socialism as an extension of “slave morality,” promoting a herd mentality that prevented people from developing into fulfilled individuals. Additionally, Nietzsche was skeptical of the concept of “equality,” which, of course, is a core component of Marx’s philosophy. Nietzsche argued that the pursuit of equality ignores natural hierarchies and the inherent differences between individuals. He believed that greatness arises when individuals arise above mediocrity, which would be hindered by a socialist society.

Nietzsche’s philosophy often challenged ideas of rationality and individualism that were central to Adam Smith’s economic theories. He believed that such economic approaches overlooked the complexities of human nature. In a sense, Nietzsche argued that the pursuit of self-interest, as promoted by Smith’s economic ideas, perpetuated a slave morality that prioritized conformity and material accumulation in place of individual creativity. Nietzsche believed that the influence of money and the pursuit of wealth were detrimental to our self-understanding. Nietzsche likely would have challenged Smith’s ideas on rational self-interest, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of human nature that embraces creativity and the pursuit of greatness beyond mere material gain.

Even though Nietzsche never had anything like Artificial Intelligence within his lifetime, his philosophy intersects greatly with AI. Nietzsche placed emphasis on human agency, creativity, and the affirmation of life. In the context of AI, Nietzsche would have expressed concerns regarding its devaluation of human creativity. AI, by its very nature, involves creating intelligence that surpasses human intelligence and decision-making. Nietzsche would argue that this reliance on AI would devalue human existence and our potential. By detaching us from the natural world, Artificial Intelligence would displace the variety of experiences that shape us.

Through his sharp critique of traditional values, exploration of nihilism, and proposal of the Superman, Friedrich Nietzsche has continually challenged prevailing notions of religion and human nature. Nietzsche's emphasis on individuality, the embrace of challenges, and the rejection of passive and active nihilism offer insights into the quest for meaning and the pursuit of personal excellence. In a world marked by controversy and intellectual upheaval, Nietzsche’s philosophy serves as a reminder to question, reflect, and navigate the complexities of our existence in our search for meaning.