How To Find Your Real Self - Friedrich Nietzsche (Existentialism)

Summary

This video script delves into Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy to guide individuals on their journey of self-discovery. It emphasizes the importance of resisting herd mentality, embracing self-discovery's challenges, finding personal meaning in life, and establishing one's own values. Nietzsche's teachings inspire viewers to break free from societal norms, face their fears, and live a life of authenticity and purpose.

Takeaways

• ❓ Finding meaning in life is a fundamental question that drives human creativity, philosophy, and self-discovery.
• 📚 Friedrich Nietzsche, a precursor of existentialism, offers deep insights into human psychology and individuality.
• 🚶‍♂️ 1. Don't follow the herd mentality: Reject societal norms and values imposed by others to preserve your individuality.
• 💪 2. Embrace the difficulty of self-discovery: Face life's challenges and sufferings as they contribute to spiritual growth and self-ownership.
• 🎨 3. Say yes to what gives you meaning: Find meaning through philosophy, art, or creating your own values without relying on external influences.
• 💖 Amor Fati: Love your fate and embrace all aspects of your life, including failures, as they shape who you are.
• 🔍 4. Find your true values: Evaluate and create your own values to lift the metaphorical 'Greatest Weight' and live a meaningful life.
• 🔓 Break free from societal and self-imposed limitations: Challenge and change the beliefs and relationships that restrict your freedom to be yourself.
• 🧠 Nietzsche's philosophy encourages deep self-analysis and confronting personal demons to understand and rise above them.
• 🌟 Achieving self-ownership requires unique paths and sacrifices, leading to a richer inner nature and a fulfilled life.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script discussing?

The main theme of the video script is the exploration of self-discovery and finding meaning in life through the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche.

Why is Friedrich Nietzsche considered a precursor of existentialism?

Friedrich Nietzsche is considered a precursor of existentialism due to his unconventional ideas about morality and religion, which delve into the true nature of human psychology and the individual's responsibility for shaping their future.

What does Nietzsche suggest as the first step in finding oneself according to the script?

The first step Nietzsche suggests is not to follow the herd mentality, as it limits individuality and creativity, and to question the societal and moral codes imposed on individuals.

How does Nietzsche view the societal and moral codes that are imposed on individuals?

Nietzsche views these codes as constructs created by individuals for societal control over human behavior, which can lead to a restrictive 'herd mentality' and suppress individualism.

What does the term 'herd mentality' refer to in the context of Nietzsche's philosophy?

In the context of Nietzsche's philosophy, 'herd mentality' refers to the tendency of people to conform and seek sameness and comfort, which can stifle creativity and individual expression.

What is the significance of embracing the difficulty of self-discovery according to Nietzsche?

Embracing the difficulty of self-discovery is significant because it allows for spiritual growth and the development of a distinct strength of character, which is essential for true self-ownership.

How does Nietzsche define the 'Übermensch' and what role does this concept play in finding meaning?

The 'Übermensch' is a superhuman who creates their own meaning and values without reference to outside influences. This concept plays a role in finding meaning by overcoming the problem of life's purpose through self-invention and full responsibility.

What does Nietzsche mean by 'Amor Fati' and how does it relate to finding meaning in life?

'Amor Fati' means the love of fate, and it relates to finding meaning in life by accepting and embracing everything that has happened in one's life, including the good, the bad, and the ugly, as contributing to one's current self.

What is the 'Greatest Weight' metaphor introduced by Nietzsche, and what does it symbolize?

The 'Greatest Weight' is a metaphorical situation that represents the feeling of being crushed into repeating past mistakes due to unevaluated values adopted from the herd. It symbolizes the burden of living a life not aligned with one's true values.

How does Nietzsche propose we find our true values and lift 'the Greatest Weight'?

Nietzsche proposes that we find our true values by reevaluating the morals imposed on us by society, creating our own values, and ensuring that our actions are worth repeating eternally, which signifies full individuation and the ability to lift 'the Greatest Weight'.

What is the final step suggested by the script to break free from societal constraints and find personal meaning?

The final step suggested is to have the courage to break the chains of tradition, religion, and societal expectations, and to distance oneself from people or situations that limit one's freedom to be authentic.

Outlines

00:00

🔍 Exploring the Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche

This paragraph introduces the importance of finding oneself, defining values, and seeking meaning in life. It discusses Friedrich Nietzsche's significant contributions to philosophy, especially his unconventional ideas about morality and religion. Nietzsche's works have influenced a wide range of individuals, encouraging them to take responsibility for who they are and shape their futures. His teachings emphasize the fundamental endeavor of self-discovery and offer steps inspired by his philosophy.

05:01

🐑 Rejecting Herd Mentality

Nietzsche criticizes the 'herd mentality' created by rigid societal codes that promote sameness and comfort while limiting individuality and creativity. He argues that strict moral codes can lead to rebellion and antisocial behavior. To find oneself, one must question and overcome internalized negative voices, often stemming from societal, parental, or educational influences. Embracing individuality and courageously stepping out of the comfort zone are crucial for self-discovery.

10:05

💪 Embracing the Difficulty of Self-Discovery

Nietzsche emphasizes the importance of facing life's challenges to grow spiritually. He discusses the need for isolation and the rejection of easy paths to achieve self-ownership. This journey requires overcoming both physiological and psychological needs, and analyzing the root causes of one's desires. Nietzsche's philosophy goes beyond modern self-development, focusing on inner struggles and self-discovery, often leading to a loner lifestyle. He advocates for challenging one's demons and experiencing life fully to attain true self-awareness.

15:07

🖼️ Finding Meaning through Personal Values

In a secular society, Nietzsche suggests replacing religion with philosophy, art, and humanities to find meaning. He introduces the concept of the Übermensch, individuals who create their own values and meanings. The idea of 'Amor Fati,' or loving one's fate, encourages embracing all life experiences, good and bad. Nietzsche's solutions to nihilism include contextualizing suffering through humanities, becoming a superhuman by inventing personal meaning, and loving life unconditionally.

⚖️ Creating and Embracing True Values

Nietzsche challenges individuals to create their own values to avoid the 'Greatest Weight,' the burden of repeating past mistakes due to societal values. He encourages questioning if one's actions are truly meaningful. Creating personal values requires breaking free from societal norms, traditions, and toxic relationships. This transformation involves distancing oneself from limiting influences and seeking strategies to change restrictive situations. Ultimately, Nietzsche advocates for pursuing dreams that provide life with personal meaning.

Keywords

💡Existentialism

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom, choice, and the subjective experience of existence. It is central to the video's theme as it discusses Friedrich Nietzsche's influence on existential thought. Nietzsche is considered a precursor to existentialism, and his ideas about finding meaning in life and defining one's values are foundational to the philosophy.

💡Herd Mentality

Herd Mentality refers to the tendency to conform to the majority's opinion or behavior, often sacrificing individuality for the sake of social acceptance. In the video, Nietzsche criticizes this mentality, arguing that it stifles creativity and personal growth. The script uses the metaphor of a herd to illustrate how societal norms can limit individual expression and innovation.

💡Individualism

Individualism is the social and political doctrine that emphasizes the importance of the individual over the group or state. The video encourages embracing individualism by questioning societal norms and pursuing one's unique path. Nietzsche's philosophy promotes individualism as a means to self-discovery and personal authenticity, as opposed to conforming to societal expectations.

💡Self-Discovery

Self-Discovery is the process of understanding one's own identity, values, and purpose. The video script highlights self-discovery as a fundamental endeavor in life, inspired by Nietzsche's teachings. It suggests that embracing difficulty and rejecting herd mentality are part of the journey to self-discovery, which is essential for personal growth and authenticity.

💡Übermensch

Übermensch, often translated as 'Overman' or 'Superman', is a concept in Nietzsche's philosophy that represents an individual who creates their own values and meaning in life, transcending traditional morality. The video mentions the Übermensch as a solution to finding meaning in a secular society, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and creativity in defining one's life purpose.

💡Amor Fati

Amor Fati, meaning 'love of fate', is a philosophical concept where one embraces their life, including all its events, as necessary for personal growth and self-realization. The video script uses this term to suggest that accepting and loving one's life circumstances, even the challenging ones, can provide a deep sense of meaning and fulfillment.

💡Nihilism

Nihilism is the belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. The video discusses Nietzsche's concern about the potential for nihilism in a secular society that has lost traditional religious beliefs. Nietzsche offers alternatives to religion for finding meaning, such as embracing the humanities or becoming an Übermensch.

💡Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche

The video delves into the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, a 19th-century German philosopher known for his critiques of traditional morality and the development of the concept of the Übermensch. Nietzsche's philosophy is central to the video's exploration of self-discovery, individualism, and the search for meaning in life.

💡Moral Code

Moral Code in the video refers to the set of ethical principles that are socially established and often imposed on individuals. Nietzsche challenges the rigidity of the moral code, suggesting that it can limit individuality and creativity. The video encourages viewers to question and redefine their own values, rather than blindly following societal norms.

💡Individual Responsibility

Individual Responsibility is the concept of being accountable for one's actions, decisions, and life path. The video emphasizes the importance of taking individual responsibility in shaping one's future and defining personal values. It is a key aspect of Nietzsche's philosophy and a central theme in the video's message about self-discovery and authenticity.

💡Inner Genius

Inner Genius, as discussed in the video, refers to the unique potential and talents within each individual. Nietzsche suggests that to find meaning and authenticity, one must tap into this inner genius by pursuing a path of self-discovery that is personal and distinct from others. The video encourages viewers to explore their unique abilities and passions to create a fulfilling life.

Highlights

The importance of self-discovery and defining our values in the context of human creativity and philosophy.

Friedrich Nietzsche as a precursor of existentialism and his unconventional ideas on morality and religion.

Nietzsche's influence on various fields, including psychology, poetry, dance, and social revolution.

The concept of 'herd mentality' and its impact on individuality and creativity.

The societal and moral codes that limit human behavior and the potential for rebellion against these constraints.

The fear of the unknown and its reflection in societal attitudes towards those who stand out.

The importance of questioning and silencing negative voices from one's past.

The necessity of embracing difficulty in the journey of self-discovery.

Nietzsche's view on suffering as a part of life and its role in spiritual growth.

The idea of the Übermensch and creating one's own meaning and values.

The concept of 'Amor Fati' and finding meaning in life by loving one's fate.

The need to find personal meaning in a secular society beyond traditional religious beliefs.

The process of reevaluating and creating one's own values to lift 'the Greatest Weight'.

The metaphorical 'Greatest Weight' representing the burden of unevaluated values.

Breaking free from societal norms and creating a personal set of morals.

The transformative process of challenging and changing limiting beliefs and relationships.

The encouragement to pursue dreams that give personal meaning, despite societal pressures.

Transcripts

One of the most important questions of our lives, of our history of human creativity,

of philosophy is how we can find ourselves, how we define our values and how ultimately

we can find meaning in our lives.

In order to answer such questions, we dive deep into the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche,

who is one of the greatest thinkers of all time and a precursor of existentialism.

He was famously known for his unconventional ideas about morality and religion and in spite

of his controversial work, he proved to be a very deep thinker, showing great insights

into the true nature of human psychology, writing guidelines relating to how individuals

can shape their future by taking responsibility for who they are.

Nietzsche wrote several books, and his teachings have shaped the lives of many people; from

psychologists to poets, dancers to social revolutionaries.

According to Nietzsche, finding yourself is one of the most fundamental endeavors of your

life and so here are four steps, inspired by the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche,

which you can take from, to help you get closer to finding yourself and becoming who you truly

want to become.

01.

Don’t follow the herd mentality Nietzsche says “What we’ve called universal

values, what we have called truth, has always only ever been the personal expressions of

those who promoted them.”

Nietzsche believed a rigid societal code creates what he called the “herd mentality.”

Like a herd of animals, a herd mentality aims towards sameness, comfort and the preservation

of its population.

Similarly, the “moral code” of society has been fabricated by individuals and then

imposed on other people so that society can have control over human behavior.

Although that can protect us from certain extreme human behaviors, it also limits our

individuality and creativity.

Not only that; but the strict dogmatic judgment of human behavior can even make some individuals

more rebellious, resulting in extreme antisocial attitudes and - even worse - actions.

If these dictatorial boundaries and rules become tyrannical and unreasonably harsh,

the rebellious response can often be equally harsh.

If the moral code of society is flexible enough, then the people who have opposing views do

not have to be particularly forceful to make the change that they want to see in the world.

In real life, more often than not, it’s the case that morality is preached in a very

strict way.

It is not only that the societal, religious and educational structures present it that

way.

It is also the attitude of the majority of people that do not want to stand out from

the group in fear of being rejected.

Therefore, every person that stands out "too much", according to the representatives of

those groups, is someone that seems terrifying and dangerous.

It is a well-known fact that people are afraid of the unknown and that is perfectly mirrored

in this dynamic.

This can be seen in our everyday lives.

Whether it’s the middle ages or the modern day world, this dynamic is always present.

Whether it’s Galileo being killed for thinking outside the box, or at school when your classmates

ridiculed you or some other student for being different and standing out, it’s all cut

from the same cloth.

The herd consists of people that have amputated their creativity dreams and goals and are

feeling insecure and even threatened by everyone that exhibits those qualities.

Those people are afraid of change, afraid of admitting to themselves that some of their

potential has not been fully realized.

Although that realization is scary, an individualistic and driven person must not let themselves

be dragged down by other people’s mistakes in life.

Instead, you need to go your own way, leave the herd behind and then shine a light so

bright that it can’t be ignored.

You can start by questioning and silencing those negative voices that you internalized

when you were young.

Whether it’s a parent, a harsh teacher, a narcissistic partner, it doesn’t matter...Whoever

told you that you can’t do things that you would want to, probably told you that because

they were afraid of your success, because it would expose everything that is bad about

them.

So they wanted to limit your individuality and pull you back into the herd.

Also, being strong minded and courageous helps you withstand the frightening feeling of stepping

out of your comfort zone, since it’s an integral part of becoming who you really are.

2.

Embrace the difficulty of self-discovery In the words of Nietzsche: “No price is

too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”

Our instinctive and intuitive reaction is to evade all pain and suffering.

The technology and the easiness of achieving everything has made us ungrateful and we have

forgotten that suffering is an integral part of life.

However, according to Nietzsche, it's only when we are willing to face the challenges

of life that we are spiritually growing.

In 1873, when he was 29 years old, Nietzsche addressed this fundamental question of how

we find ourselves in a beautiful essay titled “Schopenhauer as Educator”.

In this essay, he argued that if someone wishes to be somebody in this life, to maximize their

potential, they need to take the difficult path, which often leads to isolation.

Being a loner is not easy, but this is one of the prices someone must pay for the privilege

of owning themselves.

To keep yourself from being overwhelmed by the tribe, you must distance yourself from

others, you need to strive to be free and this might lead to severe difficulties in

your life.

You should refuse taking an easy path and you should decide to embark in the quest for

gaining your freedom to be yourself, no matter how frightening it might be.

To be free means also to be free from all physiological and psychological needs, in

other words, to not let them drive you, but for you to drive them instead.

For example, whenever you feel an emotional urge to do something, like complaining to

somebody in a very passionate way, you must try to become first conscious of this impulse

and then decide if you should act upon it or not.

Nietzsche’s philosophy on this point is somehow similar to many modern-day motivational

gurus and ‘thought-leaders’, but the similarity is only on the surface.

If motivational gurus focus on self-development mostly in order to achieve worldly success

and a fulfilled life on a material and relational level, Nietzsche goes deeper.

For him, the fight is an inner fight, the struggle is to find himself and this quest

is a much more difficult quest, requiring a very different kind of sacrifice.

For example, if a motivational guru teaches you how to be more confident in order to become

popular and attract investors for your business, Nietzsche teaches you to first analyze the

primary root of your desire to be confident and, usually, you’ll find it is just the

desire to impress other people such as your loved ones and your friends, or to prove a

point about yourself to society in general.

A simple analysis might make you give up this desire and focus more on what really matters

in your life, on much deeper issues, like self-discovery.

And this endeavor might make you a loner.

Not accepting to compromise yourself can very well put you in conflict with many people.

It means changing your lifestyle, it means giving up friendships or other types of relationships,

to look deep into your fears, to analyze your deepest emotions, your darkness and to rise

above them.

You have to break down the chains of opinion and fear.

Nietzsche encourages us to "challenge our own demons", but you should not cast them

out, as, beyond them, there is a deep meaning which you should try to understand.

You need to get out there in the world, do things, experience different temptations,

but be always present with your entire consciousness, and, in the end, emerge as an individual with

a distinct strength of character and a much richer inner nature.

If you don’t go out and experience life first hand in a fully aware state, you cannot

claim you have lived your life.

How far you can go depends on how much you are willing to pay for that.

To reach the state of self-ownership and to avoid going through life in a meaningless

way, without direction, you must learn how to find your inner genius.

To get in touch with your inner genius, you must walk a path no one has walked before,

as you are unique and no one can walk that path on your behalf.

Finding yourself is finding your uniqueness, that unique set of values and things you truly

love and which represent you.

3.

Say yes to what gives you meaning To quote Nietzche “He who has a why, can

bear almost any how” Nietzsche’s philosophy proposes that we

say yes to whatever gives us meaning in our own lives - the things we find value in personally.

In ages past, the meaning of everything was assured by God.

However, according to Nietzsche, in an increasingly secular and scientific society, one can no

longer turn to religion to find meaning.

He found this concerning, as the typical person would be driven to nihilism, meaning general

apathy and an unwillingness to find meaning in life, without help.

So he offers us three solutions that we, as individuals, can try to use to find meaning

in our lives.

His first suggestion was to replace religion with philosophy, art, music, literature, theater,

and other parts of the humanities to provide similar benefits.

The humanities offer us the ability to contextualize our sufferings, our efforts, and a chance

to see our lives as not so different from those around us.

They can offer insights into how we might tackle problems we must all face.

However it is important that we see them as a tool for living and not just as an academic

study; reading history not just for the facts, but for what those facts tell us - seeing

them as a way to edify yourself, or watching Tragic plays to see and comprehend the beauty

in sad events, not just the entertainment.

If humanities do not interest you, then Nietzsche suggests a second option of becoming an Übermensch.

The Übermensch is a superhuman that creates his own meaning and values without reference

to outside influences.

Such an individual can overcome the problem of the meaning of life by simply inventing

his own meaning and taking full responsibility for it.

According to Nietzsche, only a few men came close to being an Ubermensch, and they were

Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonapart, The Buddha and Goethe.

For us humans, we can hope to find some meaning in looking inward and evaluating what things

we really value and what things we only say we like because society tells us to.

Nietzsche sees the psychological evolution of humanity as an ever-advancing story, and

one which we should take a part in.

If becoming a superhuman isn’t something you value, then Nietzsche suggests another

method to find meaning, which is loving your life, no matter what it has in it.

Amor Fati, the love of fate, is one of Nietzsche’s most interesting ideas and one which can offer

us a great deal of solace when we most need it.

To love your fate is to know that everything that has happened in your life, the good,

the bad, and indeed the ugly, has contributed to who you are and what you are doing at this

very moment.

Trying to create yourself will lead to some failures, but embracing those failures alongside

your successes can help re-spark the love of life and can help you see the meaning of

it even in the worst moments.

4.

Find your true values Nietzsche asks us “What, if some day or

night a demon were to steal after you into your loneliest loneliness and say to you:

This life as you now live it and have lived it, you will have to live once more and innumerable

times more … Would you not throw yourself down and gnash your teeth and curse the demon

who spoke thus?”

Nietzsche believed that we need to create our own values to lift the ‘Greatest Weight’.

The ‘Greatest Weight’ is a metaphorical situation put forth by Nietzsche which represents

the feeling that crushes you into repeating past mistakes, because of the unevaluated

values you adopt from your herd.

The goal of this concept is to make you ask yourself – is what you are doing truly meaningful,

or are you just acting out what your herd thinks is right?

If you think that the things you are doing are worth repeating eternally, that you can

be sure you are fully individuated, you will have enough courage and strength to lift "the

greatest weight".

If you do not think that the way you have been living is worth repeating innumerably,

chances are, you haven’t formed your own values and you are still a slave to your society

and worse yet, to yourself.

If you find yourself repeating the same mistakes you always have and are left feeling crushed,

the chances are, you haven’t reevaluated the morals imposed on you by your herd.

Thus, you are not a fully developed individual, yet.

Once you reevaluate your moral landscape, only then "the greatest weight" can be lifted.

How many times have you found yourself turning a blind eye to someone gaslighting you, just

because you didn’t want to confront the person?

Or how many times have you heard your friend or yourself saying "m with the identical person

with identical problems".

If you were your own, with your own set of morals, you wouldn’t find yourself staying

in toxic relationships just because it’s "the right thing to do".

You would know that it’s just you just trying to be a good person by society’s standards

and that's not worth it.

Nietzsche suggests that “in every little thing ask yourself, do you desire this once

more and innumerable times over?”

If the answer is no, then you need to change yourself and reevaluate your values, then

and only then the weight can be lifted.

True good lies beyond standard definitions of good and evil.

Most of us live our lives in our self-imposed jail.

Our jail cells are blandly pre-subscribed by social beliefs that captivate the wildness

and individualism of the human spirit.

Many of us submit to the comfort of this cage.

Nietzsche recognized that we can escape our enclosure of forced beliefs and awaken ourselves

to what we value personally.

To break free and to create your own values and meaning in life, you have to undergo this

transformation, you have to go through this rebellious phase.

You need to have the courage to break the chains of tradition, of religion, of society

and perhaps you even have to distance yourself from several people in your life.

It doesn’t need to be a violent and sudden reaction, it can - and should - be a smart,

calm, but definitive one.

You can start with making a list of everything and everyone you think limits your freedom

to be yourself.

It can be an unfortunate unwritten rule at your workplace, it could be your spouse who

always tries to control and correct your behavior, or it may be your friends or your parents

who criticize you when you behave in a particular way.

Once you’ve done this, try to think of possible strategies of how to change that situation:

maybe you could have a discussion with your spouse in which you can talk about the issue,

perhaps you talk to your colleagues or supervisors in a meeting at work regarding the problems

you are experiencing, how it affects you and how you would like it to change, or you could

find new friends who can appreciate you better.

When you feel overtaken by “the greatest weight,” you don’t need to hide your aspirations,

but instead you need to breakout from your self-made herd-based prison and chase after

the dreams that give meaning to your life.

If you enjoyed this video, please do make sure to check out the full Philosophies for

Life channel and for more videos to help you find success and happiness using ancient philosophical

wisdom, don’t forget to subscribe.

Thanks so much for watching.