Beware the Allure of Self-Creation

The notion of self-creation reveals distinct yet interconnected ideologies in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly concerning the rise of authoritarian leaders like Hitler and Mussolini. In America, self-making is tied to the idea that anyone can achieve wealth, leading to a blame culture where failure is seen as personal fault. In contrast, European interpretations confront hereditary aristocracy and suggest that innate specialness exists beyond wealth and birth, invoking a godlike quality. Thinkers like Nietzsche reject traditional values associated with weakness and kindness, advocating for power and strength, exemplified in the concept of the Ubermensch. This ideological shift underscores a dangerous path that can legitimize authoritarianism under the guise of self-creation.