Friedrich Nietzsche's Core Philosophy: Superman, Will to Power, Eternal Recurrence

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche: Life and Philosophy

Born on October 15, 1844, in Prussia, Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche passed away in August 1900. In philosophical manuals, he is recognized for introducing a concept he termed vitalism (philosophy of life). His unique character significantly influenced the history of philosophy.

Following the death of his father, Nietzsche grew up in a predominantly feminine environment. At age 14, he began studying classical philology, and by 25, he was already a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Basel. An accident during his time in the army left him with chronic migraines for the rest of his life.

Nietzsche's Philosophy: The Noon of Zarathustra

His seminal work, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, is presented as a book for everyone. In it, Nietzsche describes Zarathustra's descent from a mountain, inspired by a message for a new era. This message challenges the Judeo-Christian tradition. The main ideas for this new era include:

The Concept of the Superman (Übermensch)

Nietzsche diagnoses the decline of the 'last man' as weak, nihilistic, and transmundane, lacking a reason to strive. In contrast, he announces the arrival of the Superman (Übermensch), a bearer of new, earthly values. This individual embraces the land, the body, and possesses a warlike, noble spirit. The Superman lives and wills, embodying the Will to Power. This is the man who understands that 'God is dead'.

The Metamorphosis of the Spirit

Nietzsche presents the Superman not as a product of evolution, but of a metamorphosis of the spirit. This transformation begins with the camel, which becomes a lion, and then a child. The child ultimately embodies the Superman.

Stages of Metamorphosis:

• The Camel: Represents the 'last man' or 'plant man' – weak, transmundane, and nihilistic. The camel carries the burdens of traditional morality, accepting Christianity and Kant's categorical imperative.
• The Lion: Symbolizes the man who rebels and asserts his will. He sheds the burdens of the camel, declaring "I will!" and denying the old values.
• The Child: The final stage, representing the Superman. The child is a free spirit, innocent, and self-affirming. This spirit says "yes" to life, to the earth, and to the body, embracing existence with the joy and playfulness of a game.

The Eternal Recurrence of the Same

For Nietzsche, time is not linear with an ultimate end. His concept of the eternal recurrence of the same posits that every moment must be lived with such intensity that one would desire to repeat it infinitely. Our life is cyclic. This idea fosters a profound loyalty to the earth, recognizing our pure, natural essence.

The Will to Power

The Will to Power is the fundamental mental attitude of the new Superman. It signifies an extraordinary, superhuman courage – the capacity to risk one's own life, embracing a drive that, in a sense, involves the survival of the strongest.

This Will to Power is distinct from Schopenhauer's Will to Life. Nietzsche's concept is metaphysical: it is the ultimate drive of being, a desire to become more, to expand. This act can either expand or annihilate itself. This 'will to life' (in a broader sense, as a fundamental drive) is a blind force present across the entire scale of being, from the inorganic to the human.

Manifestations of Will to Power:

The Will to Power and life manifests on three levels, with all beings demanding:

• More space
• More power
• More influence