By Mike Mercer, Stevensville
Friedrich Nietzsche gave us the formulation of nihilism that is now commonly accepted: a sentiment that nothing really matters, and that there is no point in life. In the most extreme manifestations, life itself is considered worthless. Some consider him to be a rock star of philosophy; sadly I more than know few teachers and administrators in that camp… mostly in California of course.
Active nihilism consists of seeking the obliteration of what is viewed as disputed values which are then targeted for destruction. Passive nihilism consists of simply withdrawing from life-affirming activities as life on the streets or your mother’s basement.
The political activism of the liberal-Left is actively nihilistic in that they are intent on destroying all that stands in the way of imposing their worldview on others; as long as they get what they want, political power. One guy on TV said “If you don’t give us what we want, we will burn down the system” can’t mention the group as I may get sued.
Nietzsche viewed a culture of nihilism as being a necessary stage in the repair and rebuilding of Western civilization; heard that rebuilding bit lately? Art and artists would provide the means by which a culture of “noble souls” would be cultivated to help us learn about what lies beneath the surface of ourselves and inspire us to do something constructive with our lives; within their box at least. This sort of failed as the artists believed their own PR and consumed themselves in self-importance.
Nietzsche concluded that an “Übermensch” or perfect moral being was needed. The Übermensch is often presented as an ideal of supreme elitism based on oppressive political power, and its “beyond good and evil” aspect as an exercise in amorality as in, no code of conduct.
As I look around today I see Nietzsche influence everywhere but no noble souls in sight. I make this point to offer a peek into the roots of what we face as a Nation today and how important education is as our youth get bombarded with this rock star philosophers nonsense. Make no mistake, these folks, these “noble souls” are true believers and their little experiment is not over yet.
Just had to say my piece.