Nietzsche's Libertarian Leanings: Embracing Individual Autonomy \ stacker news ~libertarian

I would very much like to contribute a little more to the libertarian debate at this point. In addition to my economic studies during my philosophical studies, I specialized above all in ancient philosophy and later in Friedrich Nietzsche, and a very special close journalistic connection has accompanied me to this day. So I would like to start with Friedrich Nietzsche and contribute a few short impulses to find out whether Friedrich Nietzsche really was the libertarian and lateral thinker I thought he was all my life. I hope I can give you some interesting hints about the literary and ancient philosophers. Have fun...

A first entry into the Nietzsche's thinking

Friedrich Nietzsche, the enigmatic philosopher of the late 19th century, presents a profound resonance with libertarian ideals through his scathing critique of state intervention and resolute emphasis on individual autonomy. At the heart of Nietzsche's philosophy lies a fervent rejection of societal norms imposed by external forces, be they religious institutions or governmental bodies. His writings serve as a manifesto for personal liberation and the unyielding pursuit of self-mastery.

Nietzsche's disdain for the welfare state finds expression in his proclamation, "I teach you the overman. Man is something that shall be overcome." Here, he challenges the notion of dependency on external structures, urging individuals to transcend societal constraints and forge their own path towards self-actualization. This echoes the core tenet of libertarianism, which emphasizes personal responsibility and self-reliance over state intervention.

Furthermore, Nietzsche's skepticism towards authority permeates his works, as reflected in his assertion, "The state lies in all languages of good and evil; and whatever it says, it lies." This profound skepticism underscores his distrust of centralized power and bureaucratic control, aligning closely with the libertarian principle of limited government intervention.

Central to Nietzsche's philosophy is the concept of the "will to power," wherein individuals harness their innate strength and exercise their autonomy to shape their destiny. He famously stated, "The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." This emphasis on individual sovereignty and the willingness to endure hardship for the sake of personal freedom resonates deeply with libertarian ideals.

Moreover, Nietzsche's critique of conformity and herd mentality serves as a rallying cry for those advocating for individual autonomy. He challenges the notion of blindly following societal norms, urging individuals to question and challenge authority in pursuit of self-discovery and personal growth.

In conclusion, Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical oeuvre serves as a beacon for those championing individual liberty and autonomy in the face of encroaching state authority. His critique of the welfare state, skepticism towards centralized power, and advocacy for personal empowerment make him a seminal figure whose ideas continue to reverberate in contemporary debates on the role of government and the primacy of individual freedom.

A first overview:

28 sats \ 2 replies \ @Bell_curve 5 Mar

He viewed politics as a second or third rate activity

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @TomK OP 6 Mar

It's so refreshing. He was so pro-individual.... I sound like a fanboy, don't I?

10 sats \ 0 replies \ @Undisciplined 5 Mar

There's a theme in his writing that politics or social norms or other collective forms of ethics are for weak people. A sufficiently wise and competent man transcends those things, because his judgement is superior to what the collective comes up with.

In the case of politics, I agree. In the case of social norms, I agree sometimes, but I increasingly think we should have a bit more deference towards tradition.

21 sats \ 0 replies \ @Undisciplined 5 Mar

I love the quote "The state lies in all languages of good and evil; and whatever it says, it lies."

I often point out that the issue with state propaganda isn't whether it's factual or not. The issue is that the state is indifferent to whether it's factual or not. Whatever the state says it does for its own purposes, so you know you're being manipulated by the regime.