Taking Nietzsche seriously

15 snips

Jul 15, 2024

In this engaging conversation, Matt McManus, a University of Michigan lecturer and Nietzsche expert, unpacks the complex legacy of Friedrich Nietzsche. They explore how Nietzsche's philosophies have been misinterpreted and their relevance in today's political landscape. McManus articulates the nuances of concepts like the 'death of God' and the potential rise of new political religions post-Enlightenment. The discussion also highlights the troubling misappropriation of Nietzsche by modern political movements and invites reflection on contemporary morality.

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ANECDOTE

McManus's Nietzschean Awakening

Matt McManus's first encounter with Nietzsche's philosophy was at 17 or 18 during a personal crisis.
He found Nietzsche's work electrifying and life-changing, sparking his interest in philosophy.

INSIGHT

Nietzsche's "God is Dead"

Nietzsche's "God is dead" reflects the crisis of European Christianity in the 19th century.
This was brought on by natural sciences, initially stemming from Christian worldview, but establishing a secular perspective.

INSIGHT

Nietzsche's Lament

Nietzsche lamented the death of God, concerned about the unpreparedness for the resulting crisis.
He wasn't celebrating God's demise, but warning about the implications of discarding traditional morality.

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Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Antichrist

Walter Arnold Kaufmann

In this seminal work, Walter Kaufmann offers a balanced and insightful analysis of Nietzsche's life and philosophy, addressing both the myths surrounding him and the profound impact of his ideas on modern philosophy and psychology. Kaufmann presents Nietzsche as a pioneer in psychology and a major figure in Western philosophy, emphasizing his concept of the 'will to power' and its relation to sublimation. The book has been instrumental in rehabilitating Nietzsche's reputation and remains a foundational text in Nietzsche studies.

Nietzsche and the Politics of Reaction

Essays on Liberalism, Socialism, and Aristocratic Radicalism

Matthew McManus

This book provides an interdisciplinary analysis of Friedrich Nietzsche's thought, focusing on his constructive political project that defends aristocratic values against liberal, socialist, and democratic ideologies. It explores how Nietzsche's ideas continue to influence the political right, impacting figures like Jordan Peterson and Aleksandr Dugin.

United States of Socialism

Dinesh D'Souza

In 'United States of Socialism', Dinesh D'Souza critiques the modern socialist movement in America, labeling it 'identity socialism'. He argues that this form of socialism diverges from traditional working-class socialism by focusing on identity politics and drawing parallels with Scandinavian models, while actually following a more authoritarian path akin to Venezuela. D'Souza presents a case against socialism, highlighting its failures and advocating for capitalism as a superior economic system.

Nietzsche's Great Politics

Hugo Drochon

Beyond Good and Evil

Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future

Friedrich Nietzsche

In 'Beyond Good and Evil', Nietzsche challenges the traditional morality and philosophical thought of his time. He argues that the Christian world is steeped in a 'slave morality' that demonizes strength and domination, and instead proposes a philosophy that celebrates the present and the individual's 'will to power'. The book is known for its aphoristic style and its critique of past philosophers for their dogmatic premises. Nietzsche advocates for a new kind of philosopher who values imagination, self-assertion, and the creation of values, and he introduces the concept of 'perspective of life' which denies a universal morality for all human beings.