NIETZSCHE’S POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY AS A SPIRITUAL RESPONSE TO THE UPHEAVAL OF MODERNITY

Abstract

The central focus of this paper is Nietzsche’s philosophical poem, “Thus Spoke Zarathustra.” While acknowledging its profound philosophical and literary value, this paper also explores its potential to reveal hidden aspects of the future of large political landscapes, in accordance with Nietzsche’s advice. Nietzsche did not aspire to be universally loved or understood; rather, his thoughts resonated deeply with a select few, leaving behind a legacy of guiding principles for the future he envisioned as promising. This legacy was founded upon his pivotal concept of value reevaluation, making him a profoundly politically engaged thinker. Nietzsche’s nihilism was underpinned by a persistent hope, a shared belief with Hegel, who also envisioned a new dawn, system, and dominant leadership class. Consequently, this paper delves into the similarities and dissimilarities between Nietzsche and Hegel, particularly in relation to Hegel’s conception of historical consciousness as a stage for the historical spirit and the absolute idea, which Nietzsche saw as equivalent to the concept of the Übermensch. Hegel also underwent three distinct stages of transformation to emerge as the new man in the dawn of the world, thereby negating the polarities that surrounded him and within himself, ultimately rising to victory alongside his society. The decision of a single individual, the Übermensch, becomes the collective decision of the nation he leads, and it possesses the capacity to evolve and expand over time.