Last man (Nietzsche)
The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) used the term the last man in his philosophical-literary work Also sprach Zarathustra (1883–1885) to create a contrast to his concept of the superman . By portraying the last person as conflict-averse, security-minded and spoiled, Nietzsche also criticizes the developments of (contemporary) modernity .
Explanation
Nietzsche / Zarathustra consciously construct the last human being as the opposite of the superman. These supermen are an imaginary higher being whose imminent appearance is announced by Zarathustra. While the superman is presented as an ideal person who grows or strives beyond ordinary life, the last person, on the other hand, is described as tired of life, uninterested and lethargic. He doesn't want to take any more risks and just looks for comfort and security.
Zarathustra describes the last human being as a form of existence for whom everything has become too burdensome that goes beyond the direct satisfaction of needs and the safeguarding of one's own comfort:
“You [d. H. the last people] have left the areas where it was hard to live: because you need warmth. You still love your neighbor and rub yourself against him: because you need warmth.
It is sinful to them to get sick and to have mistrust: one walks along mindfully. […]
One is still working, because work is entertainment. But you see to it that the conversation does not harm.
You don't get rich and poor anymore: both are too difficult. Who still wants to rule? Who else will obey? Both are too difficult. "
The last man's life is pacifistic , comfortable, and decadent . There is no longer any distinction between rulers and ruled, strong and weak, superiority and mediocrity. Social conflicts and challenges are avoided. Individuality and creativity are suppressed.
In Also Spoke Zarathustra, Zarathustra describes the last man as a terrifying example. He wants to get the people he is addressing to instead accept the superman as the goal of society. But his plan fails, Zarathustra achieves exactly the opposite: The population enthusiastically speaks out in favor of the comfortable vision of the last person:
“And this is where Zarathustra's first speech, which is also called 'the preface', ended: because at this point it interrupted him Screaming and the lust of the crowd. 'Give us these last people, O Zarathustra' - they cried - 'make us these last people! So we give you the superman! "And all the people cheered and clicked their tongues."
Interpretation and connection to Nietzsche's work
According to Nietzsche, the last person can be understood as the goal that modern society and western civilization have set for themselves, but which Nietzsche / Zarathustra reject. The society of the last man stands in contradiction to the will to power , according to Nietzsche the main driving force of human nature as well as all other life in the universe.
See also
Web links
- So spoke Zarathustra at Zeno.org .
- So spoke Zarathustra - a book for everyone and nobody in the Gutenberg-DE project
swell
- ↑ a b Friedrich Nietzsche: Thus Spoke Zarathustra - A book for everyone and nobody. In: zeno.org. Retrieved April 15, 2020 .
