Saturday, August 8, 2009

Nietzsche


The fascination with Friedrich Nietzsche is evident in the younger generation's quest for meaning in their lives. Often, students of literature and philosophy seek Nietzsche as a source of inspiration for their response to a hollow world existent without credit of a higher power. Nietzsche writes that "the intellect, as a means for the preservation of the individual, unfolds its chief powers in simulation; for this is the means by which the weaker, less robust individuals preserve themselves, since they are denied the chance of waging the struggle for existence with horns or the fangs of beasts of prey" (The Portable Nietzsche 43). This statement certainly provokes further discussion. This exemplifies the binary opposites of the weak vs. the strong. Apply this thought to the current and ongoing struggle of the Palestinians and the Israelis. The strength of Israel through their Western allies has continually been the horns and the fangs of the beast of prey over the weak and disabled Palestinians. One must wonder why Israel has not been held accountable to the UN mandates when other nations are continually called into question for their abuses. So where does Nietzsche stand among the youth of the literary and philosophical world today? If he were alive today, how would he address the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan? What would he have to say about the intellect of today? What about America's role? Is American's involvement simply for the preservation of its own; thus, America uses its strength to take advantage of the weaker? These, and other questions permeate the minds of those who seek a truth that is no longer definable. What is truth? Shall we ask Keats?

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