Nietzsche’s Philosophy of the Human Person

Friedrich Nietzsche had a unique way of looking at human nature. He believed that human beings are driven by a deep inner force, which he called the "Will to Power." This idea led him to criticize traditional morality and suggest a new way of living, where strong and independent individuals rise above the ordinary masses.

The Will to Power – What Drives Us?

Imagine a tree growing in the middle of a forest. It stretches its branches toward the sky, competing for sunlight, pushing past other trees to get stronger. This struggle for growth and power is what Nietzsche believed drives all human beings—he called it the Will to Power.

He argued that:

• Every living thing wants to express its power and strength.
• Survival is not enough; real life is about growing, expanding, and overcoming challenges.
• People who embrace their inner strength can achieve greatness, while those who suppress it become weak and ordinary.

Two Types of Morality – Slave Morality vs. Master Morality

Nietzsche believed that there are two ways of thinking about "good" and "evil"—one for the weak (slaves) and one for the strong (masters).

(a) Slave Morality – The Morality of the Weak

People who follow slave morality believe that being humble, obedient, and passive is "good." They think that suffering is noble and that the weak should be protected and honored. According to Nietzsche, this kind of morality prevents people from reaching their full potential.

(b) Master Morality – The Morality of the Strong

People who embrace master morality believe that strength, courage, and ambition are good. They think weakness, fear, and self-pity are bad. Nietzsche argued that the greatest individuals in history—artists, leaders, inventors—embraced their Will to Power and did not let society’s expectations hold them back.

The Problem with Slave Morality

Nietzsche warned that the weak try to control the strong by making them feel guilty. He believed that:

• People who follow slave morality are jealous of the strong.
• They try to convince powerful people that ambition and success are “evil.”
• Over time, this mindset destroys creativity, genius, and progress.

Nietzsche believed that modern society was too focused on weakness and guilt. He challenged people to:

✔ Embrace their Will to Power—strive for greatness, take risks, and be bold.
✔ Reject guilt—don’t let others make you feel bad for being strong.
✔ Be a creator, not a follower—stop obeying society’s rules blindly and make your own path.

The Superman (Übermensch) – Becoming More Than Human

Nietzsche believed that humans are not the final stage of evolution. Instead, we are like a bridge between animals and something greater—the Superman.

What is the Superman?

• A person who fully embraces their Will to Power and creates their own values.
• Not just strong physically, but also deep, intelligent, and independent.
• A combination of Roman strength (like a powerful emperor) and Christ-like wisdom.

Dionysius and Apollo – Two Ways of Dealing with Life

Nietzsche saw life as chaotic, dangerous, and sometimes terrifying. He believed humans use art and culture to make sense of this chaos.

He identified two opposite forces in art and human life:

(a) Apollo – The God of Order and Beauty

• Represents logic, structure, and discipline.
• Inspired art that is calm, beautiful, and idealized (like classical paintings and sculptures).
• Escapist—it makes life seem perfect instead of dealing with its harsh realities.

(b) Dionysius – The God of Chaos and Passion

• Represents wild energy, emotions, and raw power.
• Inspired intense, passionate art (like tragic plays and powerful music).
• Confronts life head-on, embracing both its beauty and suffering.

Nietzsche admired Dionysian art more because it embraces the struggle of life instead of escaping from it. He even loved Wagner’s early music because it was powerful and intense. But when Wagner started using Christian themes in his operas, Nietzsche rejected him.

Nietzsche’s Controversial Views on Women

Nietzsche had very negative views on women, which makes his philosophy difficult to accept today. He saw the Superman as a male ideal and did not believe in a Superwoman.

His views included:

• Women exist mainly to give birth to strong men (future warriors).
• Men should be trained for war and greatness, while women should be for men’s pleasure.
• He believed women were too emotional and incapable of true friendship.

Even though Nietzsche had many brilliant ideas, his opinions about women reflect his personal biases rather than universal truths. His philosophy focuses on strength and power, and he assumed that only men could achieve greatness.