The Problems of the Overman -- What Nietzsche Didn't Consider
Updated: Jan 10
"Being within the system is to be part of it, as well as subjugated by it. The System is designed for those whom OBEY" - John Duran
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Overman: Nietzsche's Dream of Transcending Humanity
Perhaps one of Nietzsche's most profound ideals is the concept of the "Overman" or the "Ubermensch," a being untouched by external constraints, that aim to take away from him the being he or she truly are. This individual, who has transcended orthodox humanity (conformity), is free from the shackles of both religious dogma and the abyss of nihilism. The Overman is, above all, a creator: forging their own meaning and forging their own rules, so they could transform and be the best version of themselves.
Yet, the path to Overman-hood, for most, is a constant paradox, despite the significant existence of liberal democracies in our world (which is 34 in 2022).
To achieve true autonomy, one must navigate the inherent dependence on higher authorities, that might seek to deprave the individual of his powers. From his ability to protect himself to express their gay sexuality (like in Algeria): The freedom to self-define often depends on a framework of minimal interference, granted by those who choose not to hinder these liberties. This very lack of interference, however, can be seen as a subtle, paradoxical form of dependence, casting doubt on the absolute independence of the Overman.
Can Freedom Exist in Constrained Societies?
While Nietzsche's Overman ideal champions individual autonomy, the reality of its application is far more complex. Consider North Korea, where awareness of the concept is irrelevant, as the government's iron fist precludes true autonomy. For the individual autonomy in North Korea can easily go against its special communist philosophy of Juche, that calls for collective autonomy, instead, from the world. The act of "doing whatever you want" carries the potential for swift and brutal consequences.
This paradoxical relationship between personal freedom and societal constraints extends beyond totalitarian regimes. Even in democracies, the tentacles of dependence reach deep into your various interpersonal circles. Your boss, wielding the power of firing you at will, can essentially shape the financial future of you and your family. Being fired, even if your own choice to quit exists, alters your course by external influence and the tyranny of circumstance.
Similarly, landlords, whose residence you're borrowing under contract, can leave you outside of their property. While you may plead your case, ultimately, their decision dictates your living situation, making you capable of being homeless, fending for yourself in the brutal streets outside.
As for education, disobeying teachers can lead to expulsion, further limiting your options in a job market that often prioritizes diplomas (despite the fallacy in the matter). While choosing to follow or not is yours, the institution's "destiny-dictating" power remains undeniable. You may be surprised to realize how much our "destiny" is in the hands of greater forces, non-related to a spiritual layer of existence.
Therefore, attaining Overmanhood necessitates a specific set of privileges:
Adulthood,
Self-employment,
Residence in a liberal society,
And property ownership.
Lacking even one of these diminishes your autonomy, leads the Nietzsche's universal vision to remain ironically unattainable for many, rendering it unrealistic. This reality underscores the price we pay for freedom: The sacrifice of those who want to control us, and our regard of them.
Beyond external constraints, the Overman ideal also demands indifference to external opinion. After all, if societal judgement guides your decisions, then their opinion becomes a tyrant. In our social media-intensified world, where public condemnation can spread like wildfire, achieving this level of detachment is a daunting challenge to those who want to retain loyal followers and thus a certain level of a powerbase.
While some possess the "audacity" to ignore external thought (like sociopaths), the potential consequences, from national-scale shame to international opposition, cannot be ignored. Freedom of thought, while present in democracies, comes at a cost. And that is especially true in a world where PC culture still holds a significant degree of relevance.
Being an Overman means not only conquering your own limitations but also navigating the power dynamics of the world around you. Alone, we are rarely strong enough to overcome these societal forces. The Overman's path thus becomes a solitary one, leading to self-employment and a detached existence from the very structures that define freedom.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Overman's ideal remains a philosophical construct, clashing with the realities of an inherently unequal and unjust world. Any attempt to fully achieve this independent existence within our current societal structures would likely come at a significant cost, potentially jeopardizing basic necessities like food and shelter.
And in the name of maintaining social order, a country has little reason to allow this extreme form of freedom suggested by Nietzsche, as a norm. That is because the Overman, by nature, opposes anyone who seeks to limit his or her best version of themselves. And "being the best version" is a luxury not everyone can afford. Not those serving in the military, not those who need to take care of children, and not those who have a reputation to maintain as public figures.
The only way to gain the lifestyle of the overman is to gain power significant enough to resist external opposition to your desires to be freerer: To live and die by power.
The Overman's dilemma serves as a reminder that freedom is not absolute. It exists within a delicate balance between individual autonomy and the constraints imposed by the world we inhabit. At times, bodies with too much freedom may be compelled to have their freedom limited in the name of general freedom within the wider collective.
While striving for self-determination is noble, true freedom may lie not in overcoming all external forces, but in understanding and navigating the complex web of relationships that define our existence -- and try to overcome whatever can be overcome, not what cannot be surpassed.
Clarification: To get what the overman wants in life, he must consider getting power, for power is the means in which he can achieve his goals. Otherwise, he would've been greatly limited by his or her own individual power. You might live freely in the wilderness, but you can't achieve much on your own like you can with friends and other support.
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