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Post by dcomeaux on Jun 21, 2024 19:47:53 GMT
Maybe it is just my personality, but I was shocked as the video stated that there were no compassionate qualities listed. I feel there are so many people already in our society today that would fit the bill for the so-called "superman" though. I seriously doubt they fit the mold or idea that Nietzche originally intended, but we have them nonetheless (IMO). So if we have the "superman" already, where do we go from here?
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Post by Dr. Nemmers on Jun 22, 2024 19:10:11 GMT
Right, it's an interesting point, Dusti-- "ubermensch" can be variously translated as superman, overman, superhuman, or even beyond-human? In one sense this is a very post-modern ideal, with the notion that these people will be the next generation or evolution of people. On the other hand, I think we can apply it to some of the demi-gods or mythical heroes of old: Hercules, Odysseus, Prometheus, and our old friend Sisyphus. It does seem to me that many of these traits are well represented in these men: self-determination, creativity, becoming, overcoming, discontent, flexibility, self-mastery, self- confidence, cheerfulness, and courage. And they become legendary accordingly.
I also think it's interesting that the original German word does not have a gender designation... that is, all of these traits should be gender neutral: -human, not -man. And yet, at least in English, we have ascribed these traits almost exclusively to males.... wonder why that is?
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Post by dcomeaux on Jun 24, 2024 18:56:11 GMT
In many of these scenarios, almost everyone attributes these traits to men. Nobody thinks women are capable of being super anything. Of course, that is just my opinion (and almost everyone's opinion back in those times if we are honest). And that is of course changing with the times, slowly but surely. I didn't know that the German word was gender neutral so that is really interesting to learn!
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Post by dianarmartinez on Jun 24, 2024 20:55:11 GMT
Maybe it is just my personality, but I was shocked as the video stated that there were no compassionate qualities listed. I feel there are so many people already in our society today that would fit the bill for the so-called "superman" though. I seriously doubt they fit the mold or idea that Nietzche originally intended, but we have them nonetheless (IMO). So if we have the "superman" already, where do we go from here? I think the concept of being a superman has definitely been associated with the comic book Superman now. However, in today's society, I would say that being the best version of yourself everyday is similar to it. We are in constant state of evolution. So it would be difficult to pinpoint a phase where we can say "we can't get any better." I also think that each individual is evolving at its own pace and is using admiration of certain qualities like Nietzche. However, I do agree with your point about the lack of compassionate qualities. I would suggest that this superman ideal could be similar to the savior complex. The savior complex often internalizes other people's situations and will commit impulsive decisions to help. It might not mean that their intentions are bad, but they would be sacrificing their own needs to help someone else. The downfall about this complex is that the person who fits this superman model often seeks people in need, and chooses careers or purposes with that in mind. |
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