Nietzsche's Übermensch: A Call to Overcome Yourself

The Concept of the Week

Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of the Übermensch - often translated as "Overman" or "Superman" - is a central theme in his philosophical outlook.

It shows the desire for a self-determined person who can face the harsh reality of a universe with no clear meaning and support life in the face of such existential dread.

The Übermensch makes up their own ideals, which are very personal and depend on what each person has been through and what they have seen.

Modern Application

Trying to become Nietzsche's Übermensch can seem hard in today's world.

Still, it's about realising our potential and trying to improve ourselves, while accepting that pain and difficulty are part of being human.

Like Nietzsche's saying, "He who has a reason to live can bear almost any how," this idea calls for deep self-improvement and a reevaluation of values, and it celebrates life even though it has pain.

Identify a moment in your life when you've demonstrated resilience in the face of difficulty, akin to the spirit of the Übermensch.

How did you grow from that experience? What potential did you discover in yourself that you weren't aware of before?

Wisdom in Action

Think about how the Übermensch idea affects how we deal with problems in life and how we grow as people.

Do we face problems head-on and try to learn and grow from them? Or do we shy away and look for safety in what we already know?

Even though the road of the Übermensch is hard, it leads to a better understanding of oneself and personal fulfilment in the end.

Practical Exercise

In the coming week, reflect on your own journey of self-improvement.

Identify areas where you've risen above challenges and demonstrated resilience.

Conversely, recognize areas where you might be hiding from hardship. How, in the spirit of the Übermensch, can you face these obstacles to get stronger?

Resource Spotlight

To learn more about Nietzsche's theory and the idea of the Übermensch, you should read "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," which was Nietzsche's first book to talk about this idea. The book "Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Antichrist" by Walter Kaufmann is a great way to learn more about Nietzsche's ideas.

Question of the Week

This week, we want you to think about the following question: "In what ways are you Nietzsche's Übermensch, and where do you see room for growth and self-mastery?" Remember that this practise isn't about right or wrong answers, but about getting you to think about yourself and help you grow as a person.