Nietzsche’s Philosophy and “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”
Nietzsche’s philosophical framework revolves around three main axes:
- God and religion
- Human nature
- The meaning of good and evil and the concept of life
One of Friedrich Nietzsche’s most notable philosophical works is Thus Spoke Zarathustra. In this book, Nietzsche uses the character of Zarathustra and establishes an intriguing connection between him and the Zarathustra of the Iranian tradition. This article examines this connection and Nietzsche’s philosophical system.
Zarathustra and the Concept of Good and Evil
Zarathustra, a prophet who lived a thousand years before Christ, is regarded by some historians as the founder of the concept of good and evil. In Zarathustra’s worldview, various deities such as the god of war, the god of the sea, the god of wisdom, and the god of light do not exist. Instead, all these forces are encapsulated in two opposing beings: Ahura Mazda (absolute good) and Ahriman (absolute evil). All phenomena result from the struggle between these two forces.
Nietzsche adopts this perspective and reimagines Zarathustra in his book as a figure who, after thousands of years of solitude in a mountain, contemplates the meaning of life and uncovers new truths. He considers it his duty to descend to the city and share these truths with the people.
Nietzsche’s Critique of Traditional Concepts of Good and Evil
Nietzsche believes that religions and traditions following Zarathustra have transformed the concept of good and evil into chains that bind human souls. Zarathustra initially did not define good and evil as absolutes but rather empowered individuals to judge for themselves based on good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Nietzsche asserts that people must free themselves from these chains and move towards the concept of the “Overman” (or “Übermensch”).
When Zarathustra descends from the mountain and sees people gathered, he seizes the opportunity to deliver a speech. He introduces the concept of the Overman, emphasizing that humans must liberate themselves from traditions and ideologies that define good and evil in ways imposed by others. However, after finishing his speech, the people laugh, failing to understand his words and mistaking them for a comedic performance.
The Three Stages of Human Transformation According to Nietzsche
Nietzsche describes three stages in the journey toward becoming the Overman:
1. The Camel Stage
In this stage, individuals are like camels carrying the heavy burdens of beliefs and traditions imposed on them since childhood. They follow a predetermined path and accept meanings defined by others. Many people remain in this stage throughout their lives.
2. The Lion Stage
In this stage, individuals become like lions, breaking their chains. They question all imposed beliefs and traditions and, for the first time in their lives, engage in rebellion against norms. Here, individuals lay down their burdens, becoming light and free. This stage often involves an encounter with nihilism, but Nietzsche emphasizes that nihilism is not the ultimate destination but a necessary passage.
3. The Child Stage
In the third stage, individuals are like children experiencing a rebirth. They view their lives as blank canvases upon which they can draw their plans and goals. In this stage, individuals pursue their objectives with enthusiasm and realize their potential fully.
Conclusion: Nietzsche’s Philosophy and Life
Many people live their entire lives like camels, content with their existence and feeling a sense of happiness. However, between two individuals who feel happiness, one may be happier than the other. The one who has struggled and stands proudly at the summit experiences a different kind of happiness than someone lounging on a couch watching television.
Nietzsche’s philosophy transforms individuals from camels to lions, guiding them through nihilism and leading them to a stage of rebirth. In this stage, individuals define the meaning of their lives, set their own goals, and chart their paths.
Nietzsche’s philosophy does not deny life; instead, it encourages individuals to embrace life and make the most of every moment. He believes that individuals must overcome hardships, conquer imposed beliefs, and define their own life’s meaning. This journey ultimately leads to the transformation into the Overman—an individual who stands proudly at the peak and achieves the best version of themselves.