In the face of a compelling choice between embarking on an unparalleled and enriching (and expensive) voyage out of Earth’s atmosphere and into the lower reaches of space with one of these commercial spaceflight companies OR contributing an equivalent sum to alleviate the plight of thousands of starving children in the farthest corners of the world, which path should one pursue? The answer, it seems, is clear and resonates deeply within us. When we explore the depths of our values, we evidently find an eternal truth inherent in human nature—an objective and universally applicable set of principles. And, if we should be so bold as to choose what our innermost passions crave most (and which is evidently wrong), a haunting feeling of guilt would inevitably accompany our decision. Society’s moral compass points steadfastly towards the righteous path. Right? WRONG!
We live in a time of unprecedented individual liberty and prosperity. Yet, the very foundations of our cherished moral certainties are still firmly rooted in archaic religious values crafted to subdue the large suffering herd. Values that, in their quest to safeguard the collective, insidiously undermine the sanctity of the individual. Values that hinder personal growth and societal progress. It is a morality that lauds qualities like generosity, kindness, modesty, and empathy, while simultaneously promoting subservience, conformity, suffering, suppression, condemnation, and the inhibition of ambitious spirits within this earthly existence.
The seductive allure of religious doctrine, offering ready-made blueprints for living, arises not from reason but from fear and terror. It preaches the difficulty of this earthly existence, instilling within us the notion that we must endure, nay, embrace suffering, all in the pursuit of an illusory, heavenly happiness that awaits us in the next life. The concept of an afterlife infinitely more rewarding and enduring than our present existence inevitably devalues the life we currently lead. These illusions prevent us from fully appreciating and embracing the lives we have been given. They blind us to the richness and beauty of the present moment. The pursuit of a better life in the here and now is rendered futile, as the true reward lies beyond the boundaries of our earthly existence. These doctrines encourage conformity, promoting a homogenous society where happiness is synonymous with being the same as everyone else. Regrettably, this outlook carries dire consequences.
This self-flagellating, life-denying, guilt-ridden morality, steeped in mediocrity and the worship of suffering, stifles one’s inner being, leading to the subjugation of mental faculties and the suppression of brilliance. Imposing a singular set of values upon everyone, intolerant of divergent paths, defies the very fabric of our nature, demanding that we suppress our unique desires, drives, and passions. It condemns the spirited individual, the creative genius, and the misfit who dares challenge the status quo. It invariably yields a society devoid of color, replacing it with a monotonous sea of sameness. Creativity, progress, and the flourishing of consciousness demand the unhindered expression of unique and even eccentric thoughts. It is within these realms that exceptional individuals emerge, propelling society forward, birthing new theories, innovations, and art.
Ever since Nietzsche proclaimed the demise of God, the pillars of objective universal truths and moral principles have crumbled into the depths of uncertainty. Morality is no longer fixed or universal. It is not etched in stone. Throughout the annals of history, it is apparent that multiple moralities have governed different peoples at different times. Morality is a living and dynamic dialogue, an ongoing conversation among all denizens of society. At its core, morality serves as a code of conduct for living within society—a framework that illuminates the path we ought to tread. The dethroning of God compelled us to confront the oppressive morality that still governs today. Alas, the time has come to heed Nietzsche’s cries and redefine morality. The time has come to embrace the power of the übermensch and embark on the path of individual and societal reformation. We have the power, nay, the duty, to redefine and reshape morality. And we must anchor our morals in the only aspect of existence we can genuinely know—our conscious experiences.
Existentialist and absurdist philosophy is founded upon the conviction that the only reality we can truly comprehend is the one that surrounds us—the tumultuous and ever-changing world of our lived experiences. The only certainty we possess lies within our immediate sensory encounters and the elements contained within them. Any attempt to transcend our claims beyond our experiential boundaries is thus deemed illegitimate. Thus, our current inquiry does not hinge upon the veracity of religion or other dogmas; as these systems inevitably rely on assumptions that transcend the realm of subjective human experience, rendering them unknowable and uncertain. Rather, when we renounce the nonsensical longing for an afterlife, when we confront the stark truth, reason dictates that this finite life on Earth is all that remains. Therefore, we are compelled to seize the day, savoring every exquisite moment before our inevitable demise. The übermensch transcends the needs and desires of the ordinary man, moving beyond the illusions that shroud our existence. The übermensch lives in harmony with the tumultuous and ever-changing world, finding joy in the here and now.
Each individual possesses unique aptitudes, varying degrees of creativity, curiosity, openness, conscientiousness, and a diverse set of interests. It is this epiphany that advocates for the notion that different individuals require different value systems. While the prevailing morality may serve some adequately, it strangles the souls of many others. Therefore, it is now the burden of each individual to unearth their own meaning and craft their own values, provided they do not trample upon the rights of others. We all have the right to pursue our own meaning and our own happiness. But for society to prosper, we must respect and afford this same right to all our neighbors. Our individual flourishing should not come at the expense of others. Instead, we must cultivate a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of human existence, nurturing a society that values both personal growth and the well-being of all. A shared moral code that champions individual freedom and individual rights whilst being cognizant of one’s impact on others will lead not only to a stable society, but a flourishing one.
How we choose to live is a deeply personal matter, requiring us to forge our own values, to follow the path that ignites the flames of our passions. While we must remain mindful of the impact our actions have on others, we need not bear the weight of guilt when we engage in self-affirming and pleasurable experiences. We must embrace freedom, cultivate passion, and dedicate our lives to that which brings us undiluted joy. Let us expand the horizons of our conscious experiences, taking that journey into space without a shred of guilt. And if finding joy in aiding those less fortunate brings us pleasure, then by all means, let us embark on that noble endeavor. The same principle applies to an unwavering adherence to dogma. If religious faith provides someone with a more fulfilling and enjoyable life, they should pursue it enthusiastically and unhindered. However, it is vital to ensure that such a devotion to faith still respects others’ rights to pursue their own meaning and don’t strive for governing the freedom of others. It is crucial that all pursuits of happiness emanate from a place of authenticity rather than a desire to please others or a hollow adherence to some predefined notion of what is right. Above all, let it not stem from fear or duty.
We are now endowed with the gift of freedom—the freedom to choose how we live our lives. Let us choose wisely, driven by the radiant fires of passion that dwells within. Let us savor each moment in our tireless pursuit of worthy and personal causes. Ultimately, it is the individual experiencing the moments who can judge their value as good or bad. But let us also acknowledge that disappointments and heartbreaks are an inherent part of life, occurring every day, all around us. There is nothing inherently negative about these experiences; they are simply truths, and the truth, in its entirety, is beautiful. Thus, we must accept and embrace each experience as it comes, both the good and the bad. No experience possesses intrinsic superiority over another. For if we cannot discern the presence of objective values, how can we ever affirm conclusively that one experience holds more value than another? The absurdity of this predicament begets a radical equality—a leveling of all experiences. Consequently, a unique kind of ethics emerges. Since we cannot ascertain the best way to live, we are better off pursuing as many diverse and unique experiences as possible before the final embrace of death. Let us revel in the uniqueness of our experiences. Let passion guide our footsteps. Let us live in the spirit of amor fati, embracing every moment, smothering it with consciousness.
Therefore, the essence of the übermensch lies in the pursuit of self-discovery and self-transcendence. It beckons us towards the realization of our boundless potential, liberated from the shackles of outdated religions and moralities. It involves affirming life in its entirety—to become the arbiter of one’s own values, transcending the mundane needs of mere mortals. It is to cast off the veil of illusion, embracing the vibrant tapestry of the here and now. It is an invitation to give style to our characters and act as the poets of our own lives, rather than mere members of a frightened, apathetic herd. We must embark on a personal quest to redefine our values and sculpt our inner drives into a harmonious, empowered, and ecstatic whole. Only then can we fulfill our ultimate potential and become the truest manifestation of our authentic selves.
“To lure many away from the herd – that is why I come” – Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche
Further Reading
Internet Resources:
Eternalised – NIETZSCHE: The Übermensch
PhilisophyBreak – Übermensch Explained
Books worth Reading:
Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche
Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche
