Nietzsche's World: 19th Century Context and Philosophical Rivals

Nietzsche's Historical and Philosophical Context

The Industrial Revolution and Political Decline

The 19th-century Industrial Revolution marked a fundamental shift from the agricultural to the industrial sector, resulting in a significant increase in the workforce and the wealth accumulation of a new class: the bourgeoisie.

These changes fueled the development of the labor movement and liberal capitalism, which amplified the aspirations and political demands of the bourgeoisie. These demands crystallized during the century in democratic systems endowed with constitutions. Nietzsche, however, viewed these systems as a symptom of decline, arguing that the idea of equality sustained uniformed individuals and prevented the emergence of critical, autonomous, and artistic personalities—qualities closer to his ideal of the Übermensch (Superman).

German Unification and the State

This period also saw the German unification, which responded to the national interests spreading across Europe and called for the establishment of national states. Nietzsche stood opposite this trend, preferring the idea of overcoming the state, continuing the line of thought exemplified by figures such as Napoleon.

Cultural Reaction: Modernism and Vitalism

Culturally, the era was defined by a strong reaction against Realism. This reaction gave rise to Modernism and Impressionism. In Central Europe, a renewal of culture asserted the primacy of life, leading to a new movement: Vitalism.

Dominant Philosophical Currents

The dominant philosophical currents influencing the 19th century included:

• Comte's Positivism

  According to Comte, progress is driven by the Law of Three States: the theological, the metaphysical (philosophical), and the positive.

• Darwin's Theory of Evolution

  Darwin discovered the principles of evolution that lead to natural selection through the struggle for existence and the survival of the fittest.

• Socialism and Critique of Capitalism

  Thinkers like Owen, Proudhon, Fourier, Saint-Simon, Marx, and Engels offered a profound critique of the capitalist system. They denounced its abuses and defects while proposing a new, more just and equitable economic and social organization.

• Marx's Historical Materialism

  Marx viewed history as a process of maturation of the human species, driven by the need to produce means to meet needs. While the formation of property and the division of labor affect the progress of production, they also alienate man from his labor and himself. The class struggle is seen as the engine pushing history forward.

• Vitalism

  Vitalism centers on the exaltation of the vital and affective aspects of existence, standing against the rationalism prevalent at the time. It defends irrationalism and the affirmation of life as the fundamental reality of human beings. Key representatives include Nietzsche, Ortega y Gasset, Schopenhauer, and Bergson.