Nietzsche criticized Western ideas of reason, democracy, and progress for their reliance on a simplistic, rationalist worldview that he believed stifled individuality and creativity. He argued that these concepts promoted a herd mentality, leading to mediocrity and the suppression of exceptional individuals. Additionally, Nietzsche viewed the belief in progress as a delusion, asserting that life is characterized by cycles of struggle rather than linear advancement. Ultimately, he sought a reevaluation of values that embraced the complexities of human existence beyond conventional moral frameworks.
The famous existentialist philosopher, Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche seemed to have no kind words for the so-called Judaeo-Christian world and its ideals and ideas. In fact, when reading Nietzsche, one can easily come to the conclusion he hated everything about the world. In this he was a fore-runner of a later day existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre. After all, we are all thrown into this world without our consent, and have no obligation to honor anything but oneself. With that said, his view of Western values can be misleading and difficult to understand. Like Hegel, Nietzsche thinks aloud and his writings display his thinking and rethinking of a multitude of ideas. In Europe, he recalls the "Enlightenment" . To him nothing but nonsense. This is best seen in one of his famous quotes ( he is quoted perhaps more with the exceptions of Aristotle and Plato ) For Nietzsche, it can be seen that throughout immense expanses of time, the intellect has produced nothing but errors. He had no use for other philosophers or Western leaders. He was an apocalyptic thinker and in this way he had an influence on Adolph Hitler. He too was in the school of apocalyptic thinkers. For him and for Nietzsche, all the world came to naught. This is seen in Hitler's ideas as his early military successes showed the valor of Germans. And, later after military disasters in the Soviet Union, he demanded no retreat. If his armies failed, it was because they were not true Germans. To carry this a bit further, one can recall the "no surrender" edict for Japanese forces besieged on Iwo Jima. No surrender possible resulting in 22,000 plus Japanese soldiers being killed.
One reason for the end of the western cattle bonanza was--overgrazing of the plains. (NovaNet)
over grazing of the plains.
There are a few reasons why some might fuss over hamlet should be in the western canon. The main reason would be the work had appeal across cultures.
Western powers favored appeasement because of the disillusionment with war, and did not want any other war after the WWI.
The Enlightenment greatly influenced the scientific method, principles of democracy, individual rights, and secularism in Western societies. It also promoted the idea of progress through reason and knowledge.
Nietzsche's philosophy can be seen as a critique of Enlightenment ideas such as reason, progress, and objectivity. He believed that the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason had led to the suppression of individual passions and creativity. Nietzsche also challenged the Enlightenment's belief in universal truths, instead arguing for a more subjective and perspectival view of reality.
Nietzsche believed that Socrates' problem was his emphasis on reason and logic, which he saw as limiting human potential and creativity.
The famous existentialist philosopher, Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche seemed to have no kind words for the so-called Judaeo-Christian world and its ideals and ideas. In fact, when reading Nietzsche, one can easily come to the conclusion he hated everything about the world. In this he was a fore-runner of a later day existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre. After all, we are all thrown into this world without our consent, and have no obligation to honor anything but oneself. With that said, his view of Western values can be misleading and difficult to understand. Like Hegel, Nietzsche thinks aloud and his writings display his thinking and rethinking of a multitude of ideas. In Europe, he recalls the "Enlightenment" . To him nothing but nonsense. This is best seen in one of his famous quotes ( he is quoted perhaps more with the exceptions of Aristotle and Plato ) For Nietzsche, it can be seen that throughout immense expanses of time, the intellect has produced nothing but errors. He had no use for other philosophers or Western leaders. He was an apocalyptic thinker and in this way he had an influence on Adolph Hitler. He too was in the school of apocalyptic thinkers. For him and for Nietzsche, all the world came to naught. This is seen in Hitler's ideas as his early military successes showed the valor of Germans. And, later after military disasters in the Soviet Union, he demanded no retreat. If his armies failed, it was because they were not true Germans. To carry this a bit further, one can recall the "no surrender" edict for Japanese forces besieged on Iwo Jima. No surrender possible resulting in 22,000 plus Japanese soldiers being killed.
The Age of Enlightenment was an intellectual and cultural movement during the 18th century in Europe which emphasized reason, science, and individual rights. It promoted ideals such as freedom, democracy, and progress, and had a significant impact on shaping modern Western societies. Key figures of the Enlightenment include Voltaire, Rousseau, and Locke.
The main differences between Kant and Nietzsche's philosophical perspectives lie in their views on morality and the nature of reality. Kant believed in objective moral principles based on reason and duty, while Nietzsche rejected traditional morality in favor of individual will and the idea of a "will to power." Kant emphasized reason and universal principles, while Nietzsche focused on the individual's subjective experience and the idea of overcoming societal norms.
Bertrand Russell and Friedrich Nietzsche had different views on the nature of reality and morality. Russell believed in objective truth and reason, while Nietzsche argued for the subjective nature of truth and the importance of individual will and power. Russell emphasized logic and rationality, while Nietzsche focused on the idea of the "will to power" and the concept of the "superman."
Enlightenment thinkers stressed the importance of reason, science, individual rights, and the pursuit of knowledge and progress. They believed in challenging traditional authority and promoting equality, liberty, and democracy.
The most significant legacy of the Enlightenment was the concept of individual freedoms and liberty for people. It lead to the rise of democracy and the fall of autocracy in the Western world.
Democracy Democracy
Nietzsche would likely disagree with Plato because he believed in the affirmation of life, while Plato idealized a metaphysical realm of perfect forms, which Nietzsche would view as a denial of the world as it is. Nietzsche also criticized Plato for championing reason and logic over emotions and instincts, which he believed were essential to human nature. Overall, Nietzsche's focus on individualism and overcoming societal norms contrasts with Plato's emphasis on the pursuit of eternal and unchanging truths.
Immanuel Kant believed in moral duty and universal ethics based on reason, while Nietzsche emphasized individual will to power and the rejection of traditional moral values. Kant focused on rationality and duty, while Nietzsche emphasized individuality and the pursuit of personal greatness.