+002_Choose Strength. Even if You're Weak.

A lesson from Fredrick Nietzsche (1844 - 1900) A man of severe intelligence. A contrarian. Passionated to the point of insanity. Sick all his life, but refusing to be broken by it. He chose strength.

1.

I read Frederick Nietzsche because he’s the opposite of everything I am when it comes to a life philosophy. He’s brutal. Anti-Christian. Offensive. I’ve been trying to really understand what he’s really saying for the last couple years now.

He says a-lot of things.

But why pay any attention?

I read him because he’s viciously honest.

His honestly draws blood.

Like I’m talking to a man that is dangerous, but he’ll tell me everything he is thinking, no holds bar. I believe I can learn something from a man like that.

His books read like you’re playing with fire.

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2.

The majority of what I know about Nietzsche is from Twilight of the Idols. This little book I got second hand from Shawnee State University for an Intro to Philosophy class in 2014. They say this book is the most accessible place to start with his thinking.

What I love about this book in comparison to some of his other writing is the digestible, vignette-type presentation of each paragraph. His style is one that I find I wish more books had. Straight to the point. Contain each thought in a neat little section. Number the sections for easy return. I obviously take great inspiration from this style.

Nietszche’s tone is cruel, and dark, but entertaining.

In the grand scheme of things Nietzsche’s criticism of morality is too deep and educated and comprehensive for me to really grasp.

But to me, one of the most interesting sections of the book is “THE PROBLEM OF SOCRATES”…right off the jump, second section! Where Nietszche goes on to call that immortalized man—SOCRATES—who is practically a saint by the standards of most men: Ugly, Malicious and Cruel.

Here’s some Nietszchean accusations in a single paragraph:

How can we trust Socrates!? He was an ugly greek!

Cross - breed!

A marker of decline!

The typical criminal is ugly!

Monster in the face, monster in the soul!

Starting the book off strong with some strong accusations.

Get right to the point, I suppose.

He says it kind of like a drunken uncle in presentation, but that’s not surprising, he wants to be the Greek god of passions, fertility and wine.

What in the world could a sane person possibly get from what he’s saying?

I know what i take from it, though it took some sorting, and like 4 read-throughs of this passage.

Reason can be a tyrant.

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3.

What does he mean?

Maybe it’s as simple as saying that intelligent people can dominate others with their rationality, with their smooth talking and discussion—there doesn’t have to be an exchange of blows—someone can be beat up with rationality.

I’ve done it before, plenty of times. I’m not above it.

And the skeptic would say, but isn’t Rationality like math or something? Isn’t it the language of the universe? What fault of it could it be of yours if you’re pure and rational and clear?

Nietszche explains.