The Core of Nietzsche's Teachings: The Value of Excellence

[Nilsi]

Will to Power

At the heart of Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy stands a potent concept, the 'will to power'. This all-pervasive principle is not merely incidental; rather, it is foundational, informing our understanding of life and the ceaseless pursuit of excellence.

The 'will to power' is perceived as the prime mover that resonates through every entity in existence, animate or inanimate. Each instance where a lifeform asserts its place in the world, from a flower battling for sunlight to an athlete sprinting towards victory, encapsulates this elemental drive for survival and dominance.

The 'will to power' in Nietzsche's philosophy is indifferent to moral binaries; it is neither good nor evil but amoral. This urge is an inextricable part of life, and any attempt to infuse it with moral judgments is a gross misinterpretation of its nature.

But how does this 'will to power' spur the quest for excellence and compel us to transcend the bounds of societal norms? Nietzsche illustrates this transformative journey beautifully with the metaphoric progression from the camel, through the lion, to the child.

Metamorphoses of the Soul

The camel epitomizes the initial stage where societal norms and obligations are borne like a load on the beast of burden. Transitioning into the lion stage, these norms are fiercely contested and the 'will to power' is exerted, embodying defiance against societal constructs. The ensuing rebellion paves the way for fresh, individual values. Ultimately, the child embodies the creation of new values, characterized by innocence, forgetfulness, and an exuberant affirmation of life. This evolution concludes with the emergence of the Übermensch - an individual who transcends societal standards to fully manifest their unique potential.

The Übermensch

Historical figures have exemplified this transformative journey, embodying the Übermensch, guided by their 'will to power' towards self-transcendence and thereby influencing historical trajectories.

Consider the Renaissance virtuoso, Michelangelo. He not only embraced but challenged the intellectual and cultural mores of his epoch to redefine art. His 'will to power' is evident in his audacious explorations of human anatomy, innovative artistic techniques, and his unprecedented ability to imbue his works with raw emotion. Michelangelo's indelible legacy is a testimony to his relentless pursuit of excellence and the harnessing of his 'will to power'.

Daniel Schmachtenberger, a contemporary thinker, also embodies this trajectory. His 'will to power' led him to break free from the traditional siloed approach to knowledge, amalgamating a broad array of intellectual and spiritual influences. His significant contributions to neurohacking and global systems thinking exemplify his relentless drive to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, thereby situating him as a modern Übermensch.

Lastly, consider Marcus Aurelius, the stoic Roman emperor. During his peaceful reign, he channeled his 'will to power' into a profound exploration of Stoicism. His seminal work, 'Meditations', diverges from traditional stoic thought, reflecting his personal exploration of mortality, duty, and interconnectedness. Aurelius' philosophical musings stand as an embodiment of the Übermensch, demonstrating how his 'will to power' allowed him to transcend societal norms and carve his own path.

The Value of Excellence

Each of these individuals showcases the transformative power of Nietzsche's 'will to power' in the quest for excellence. However, only those who truly grasp this innate drive beyond the constructs of morality, who resist the urge to moralize it and recognize it as a fundamental life force, can tap into its full potential. In Nietzsche's philosophy, the Übermensch emerges as a symbol of the pinnacle of human potential, illustrating what one can become when they fully embrace their 'will to power' and navigate their unique journey to excellence.

[CARDOZZO]

@Nilsi

Great share.

The will to power can become a tool for decreasing your psychological inner-entropy.

You can use it to send people to Mars or bomb a country. 

Also, I don't believe that we can be just a camel, lion or a child.

We are all of them at the same time but we have to tune into them as archetypes, knowing how to access/use them properly.

Edited June 11, 2023 by CARDOZZO

[charlie cho]

I remember reading about the camel, lion, and the child from OSHO first, not Nietzsche.

I was surprised to know that it was Nietzsche that talked about this concept, when I first read him, not OSHO. 

[OBEler]

@charlie cho even Hitler talked about this concept. It was a big Part of nazi ideology