In our modern time, there is already an overload of information - of beliefs - thrown at us while we are still starting to grow up. Enterprises like science, philosophy, and religion provides us with beliefs, and sometimes their own kinds of beliefs. These beliefs change - or more positively speaking, develop - over time. Some strongly held beliefs in the past were either already challenged or already displaced by something new. This, happens faster than ever before - maybe because of the many advances in technology that we have right now. So, every modern man is challenged to keep up with the times.
Amidst modernity, in all its aspects, Nietzsche advocates for becoming a free spirit. This means to say, that we need to remain 'experimental' in our thinking and undertakings. Not to be dogmatic in our beliefs and judgements of actions. Because, this is the only way to progress in everything that we are believing or doing right now. It is the only way to keep up the fast development of knowledge. And here are what Nietzsche did in his own writings, that we are advised to follow. Like Nietzsche, we need (1) to question the unquestionable, (2) to suggest the unsuggestable, (3) to moralize against our own religion, and (4) to question rationality. Following these as our guide makes us become a free spirit - makes us become 'experimental' in life.
First, how did Nietzsche question the unquestionable? One question that he raised is this: Is having pity really a virtue? This questions the kind of morality that he sees in our society. That we value so much the pitiful over the non-pitiful. Like, we see greater moral responsibility to the pitiful or the needy, than those who are not, those that are rich. This is our normal tendency in the society. But, Nietzsche questioned and criticized it by calling it a slave morality - a morality that favors the slave-like people (bias) over the master-like.
Second, how did Nietzsche suggest the unsuggestable? He suggested that God could just be a projection of our most pathetic traits. One pathetic trait is feeling inferior over the other. With this, people create the belief on a powerful being that will help them with their inferiority. Therefore, the idea of having a God. The reason why many people worship God is, because, one way or the other, they feel inferior over their overwhelming problems in life or over people or over something else. No one will worship God, or ask help from God, if, in himself, he is self-sufficient.
Third, how did Nietzsche moralize against his own religion? For him, Christianity is a slave morality. You will see in the teachings of the Christian religion, that they value so much the pettiness of man. Like, Jesus helping the blind, the leper, the sick, the poor, the unfortunate, and the like. In such a religion, with slave morality, it renders the inferior status of man to himself. But, for Nietzsche, this should not be the self-image that we shall have of ourselves - we better off consider ourselves as self-sufficient and self-reliant. Not needing any help from others like God.
Fourth, how did Nietzsche question rationality? Nietzsche questioned how rationality arrive in the world. Is it not that rationality just irrationally arrive by chance? And so, is rationality really to be relied on? Can we not equally rely on passions and emotions with our decisions in life? Is it not there is more to life than being rational? Questions such as those challenge the role and importance of rationality to us. Nietzsche ventures in to other aspects in which we can better our lives.
So, those are the four areas in which Nietzsche advocates becoming a free spirit. In all of these areas, we see Nietzsche as going beyond what is commonly believed and practiced. He questioned the grounds of such beliefs and practices. Then, he tries to 'experiment' with other options for believing and acting. This is what we basically mean by becoming a free spirit. But, we are not Nietzsche himself. We all have different ways in how we embody this invitation. Now, the questions is how can you manifest becoming a free spirit in your own life?
Please let me know what you think about this blog in the comment section below. If, you have questions, don’t hesitate to comment them too. Let us discuss deeper and share insights about this blog.
0 Comments