Nietzsche: The Übermensch

“Man is a being that must be overcome.” Friedrich Nietzsche

It took philosophers a considerable amount of time to begin contemplating the power of the mind and reach the concept of the thinking human. Philosophers and artists have approached the concept of humanity from various perspectives. Nietzsche, however, introduced a different definition of a human with his created concept of the “Übermensch” or “Overman.”

Who is the Übermensch?

Nietzsche’s works primarily encompass the questioning of Western civilization’s values and its Christian foundations. The influence of religious and traditional values on the modern individual in the West is diminishing day by day. Therefore, the structure of the existing value system is on the verge of collapse. According to Nietzsche, this situation signifies individuals getting lost in nothingness. Nietzsche claims that the void can only be filled by a being superior to ourselves. He refers to this entity as the “Übermensch” or “Overman.”

The Übermensch is extraordinarily powerful, both physically and mentally, and independent. They shape the concepts of good and evil according to their own thought world, disregarding the prevailing societal values. They recognize that suffering is necessary for goodness and embrace it. Their priority is themselves, and they strive for their own success. Nietzsche presents Shakespeare and Socrates as examples of individuals who exemplify this type.

“The ‘Übermensch’ is the meaning of the earth. Your will should say: the ‘Übermensch’ shall be the meaning of the earth!” Note well! I teach you the ‘Übermensch’: he is that sea; in him your great contempt can sink. Note well! I teach you the ‘Übermensch’: he is that lightning; he is that madness!” (Nietzsche, 2016: 36)

According to Nietzsche, the Übermensch should devote themselves to earthly life, remaining loyal to the earth and nature. They should reject those who speak of God or supernatural hopes. They should be critical and questioning. The Übermensch is an individual with their own path, pleasures, values, and thoughts. They are an extraordinary being constantly striving to transcend themselves.

The Übermensch is the image of the reactive man presenting himself as “superior” and, even better, deifying himself (Deleuze, 2010: 209).

The Übermensch through Nietzsche’s Eyes

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is known for his proclamation that “God is dead.” Due to this view, many have considered him a nihilist. Nietzsche does not see the soul and body of humans as separate entities because he argues that the vitality of life and the body require the soul. He defines the soul as an energetically charged structure. Nietzsche views human structures (art, education, religion) as problematic, attributing this to their inability to see truth and reality as they are. He defined the concept of the Übermensch, particularly in his book “Thus Spoke Zarathustra,” and focused on this concept. The Übermensch is the highest stage attainable after the stage of the animal and human. The stage of the human acts as a bridge between the animal and the Übermensch. According to various researchers, the Übermensch is a masculine character. In my opinion, Nietzsche’s stance reflects a reflection of patriarchal society. The image created embodies the accepted notion of a powerful male.

In conclusion, Nietzsche’s Übermensch, by killing God, must dismantle the existing morality, self-actualize, and reconnect with the source of life through creative energy.

“Behold! I teach you the ‘Übermensch.’ The ‘Übermensch’ is the meaning of the earth. Let your will say: the ‘Übermensch’ shall be the meaning of the earth!” Friedrich Nietzsche

Author: Pelin Kurtuluş

Editor: Ece Günen

References:

• BAYKAN, F. (2000). Nietzsche’nin Felsefesi. (1st ed.). İstanbul: Kaknüs Yayınları.
• DELEUZE, G. (2010). Nietzsche ve Felsefe, Norgunk Yayınları.
• KUÇURADİ, İ. (2009). Nietzsche ve İnsan. Türkiye Felsefe Kurumu.
• YOUNG, J. (2010). Nietzsche. Türkiye İş Bankası Kültür Yayınları.