The Portable Nietzsche

1. Reject Life-Denying Values

What is bad? Everything that is born of weakness.

Critique of Christian values. Nietzsche argues that traditional morality, particularly Christian morality, is life-denying. It promotes weakness, self-sacrifice, and pity, which undermine the natural instincts for self-preservation and growth. These values are seen as a revolt against the fundamental conditions of life.

Rejection of otherworldliness. Nietzsche rejects the concept of a "true world" or "beyond" that devalues earthly existence. He sees these ideas as inventions of the weak, who seek solace in imaginary realms because they cannot cope with the challenges of reality. This rejection extends to the belief in personal immortality, which he views as a form of selfishness and a distraction from the present life.

Emphasis on strength and power. Instead of focusing on weakness and self-denial, Nietzsche advocates for values that affirm life, enhance power, and promote self-overcoming. He believes that individuals should strive to become stronger, more courageous, and more self-reliant, embracing the challenges and opportunities of earthly existence.

2. Embrace the Will to Power

What is good? Everything that heightens the feeling of power in man, the will to power, power itself.

Fundamental drive. Nietzsche posits that the will to power is the fundamental driving force in all living beings. It is not merely a desire for domination, but a basic instinct for growth, expansion, and self-affirmation. This will is expressed in various ways, from the struggle for survival to the creation of art and the pursuit of knowledge.

Self-overcoming. The will to power is not about oppressing others, but about overcoming oneself. It involves constantly striving to become stronger, more capable, and more fully realized. This process of self-overcoming is essential for personal growth and the creation of new values.

Power as a creative force. Nietzsche sees power not as something inherently evil, but as a creative force that drives individuals to achieve greatness. The will to power is expressed in the creation of art, the pursuit of knowledge, and the affirmation of life in all its aspects.

3. Critique Pity and Weakness

Pity is the practice of nihilism.

Pity as a depressive force. Nietzsche views pity as a destructive emotion that weakens both the one who feels it and the one who receives it. It is a form of self-indulgence that perpetuates suffering and hinders the natural process of selection. Pity makes suffering contagious.

Rejection of weakness. Nietzsche rejects the glorification of weakness and suffering that he sees in Christianity. He believes that individuals should strive to overcome their weaknesses and embrace their strengths, rather than wallowing in self-pity or seeking the pity of others.

Emphasis on strength and self-reliance. Instead of pitying the weak, Nietzsche advocates for helping them to become stronger and more self-reliant. He believes that individuals should take responsibility for their own lives and strive to overcome their challenges, rather than relying on the pity of others.

4. Re-evaluate Morality

Moral judgments are therefore never to be taken literally: so understood, they always contain mere absurdity.

Morality as interpretation. Nietzsche argues that there are no objective moral facts, only interpretations. Moral judgments are not based on reason or truth, but on the values and perspectives of particular individuals or groups. This means that morality is not a fixed or universal standard, but a constantly evolving and subjective phenomenon.

Master vs. slave morality. Nietzsche distinguishes between two fundamental types of morality: master morality and slave morality. Master morality is based on self-affirmation, pride, and the creation of one's own values. Slave morality, on the other hand, is based on ressentiment, envy, and the negation of the values of the masters.

Beyond good and evil. Nietzsche advocates for a revaluation of all values, a process of questioning and re-examining traditional moral concepts. He believes that individuals should create their own values based on their own unique perspectives and experiences, rather than blindly following the dictates of society or religion.

5. Understand the Psychology of Religion

The Christian, false to the point of innocence, is far above the ape—regarding Christians, a well-known theory of descent becomes a mere compliment.

Religion as a tool for power. Nietzsche sees religion, particularly Christianity, as a tool used by the weak and resentful to gain power over the strong. By promoting values such as humility, self-sacrifice, and pity, religion undermines the natural instincts of the strong and elevates the weak to positions of influence.

Critique of Christian concepts. Nietzsche criticizes many of the core concepts of Christianity, such as sin, guilt, and redemption. He sees these concepts as inventions of the priests, designed to control and manipulate the masses. He also rejects the Christian conception of God as a loving and merciful being, arguing that it is a product of weakness and decadence.

Emphasis on self-reliance. Instead of relying on religion for guidance and meaning, Nietzsche advocates for individuals to create their own values and find meaning in their own lives. He believes that individuals should embrace their own power and potential, rather than submitting to the authority of religious institutions.

6. Affirm the Earth and the Body

I am a disciple of the philosopher Dionysus, I would prefer to be anything rather than a professor of philosophy.

Rejection of asceticism. Nietzsche rejects the ascetic ideals that have dominated Western thought for centuries. He sees asceticism as a form of self-denial that is hostile to life and the natural instincts. Instead, he advocates for a celebration of the body and the senses.

Emphasis on the present. Nietzsche believes that individuals should focus on the present moment and find joy in earthly existence, rather than fixating on a future afterlife or a transcendent realm. He sees the body as a source of strength, beauty, and pleasure, and encourages individuals to cultivate their physical and sensual capacities.

Connection to nature. Nietzsche emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature and embracing the natural world. He sees nature as a source of wisdom, strength, and inspiration, and encourages individuals to live in harmony with their natural surroundings.

7. Cultivate Honesty and Self-Reliance

To be true—only a few are able! And those who are still lack the will. But the good have this ability least of all.

Importance of intellectual honesty. Nietzsche places a high value on intellectual honesty, the willingness to question everything and to follow the truth wherever it may lead. He criticizes those who cling to comfortable illusions or dogmatic beliefs, and encourages individuals to embrace doubt and uncertainty.

Rejection of herd mentality. Nietzsche advocates for individuals to think for themselves and to resist the pressure to conform to the opinions of the majority. He believes that true greatness can only be achieved by those who are willing to stand apart from the crowd and to forge their own path.

Emphasis on self-reliance. Nietzsche encourages individuals to rely on their own judgment and to take responsibility for their own lives. He rejects the idea that individuals should look to external authorities or institutions for guidance, and instead urges them to cultivate their own inner strength and wisdom.

8. Recognize the Value of Struggle

From life's school of war: What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.

Struggle as a source of strength. Nietzsche believes that struggle and adversity are essential for personal growth and development. He sees challenges as opportunities to overcome limitations and to become stronger, more resilient, and more capable.

Embrace of difficulty. Nietzsche rejects the pursuit of comfort and ease, arguing that it leads to stagnation and mediocrity. He encourages individuals to seek out challenges and to embrace difficulty as a means of pushing themselves to their limits.

War as a metaphor for life. Nietzsche uses the metaphor of war to describe the ongoing struggle for self-overcoming. He believes that individuals should approach life with the same courage, discipline, and determination that are required of a warrior.

9. Embrace the Overman

I teach you the overman. Man is something that shall be overcome.

The overman as a goal. Nietzsche introduces the concept of the overman (Übermensch) as a goal for humanity to strive towards. The overman is not a specific individual, but a symbol of the potential for human beings to transcend their limitations and to create new values.

Overcoming nihilism. The overman represents a way to overcome the nihilism that Nietzsche sees as a growing threat in modern society. By creating new values and embracing the will to power, individuals can find meaning and purpose in a world without God.

Affirmation of life. The overman is characterized by a profound affirmation of life, a joyful acceptance of all its aspects, both good and bad. He is not a pessimist or a nihilist, but a life-affirming force who embraces the challenges and opportunities of earthly existence.

Last updated: April 9, 2025