Today in lecture, we started to discuss a key idea which is
fundamental in Nietzsche’s philosophy – the Ubermensch. In this blog, I will
give an example (or what I think is an example) of an Ubermensch. However
before I do, I will discuss what exactly an Ubermensch is. Ubermensch has
several translations such as superman, superhuman, ultraman (my favorite
translation; it just sounds cool), and above-man; nevertheless, the literal
translation is overman. An Ubermensch is a being or a “creature” which is
considered to be the next level up from normal humans and sees him/herself as
superior (not necessarily in a physical manner). Unlike slaves, an Ubermensch
has the freedom of being able to learn to command himself due to being
dissatisfied with what he is and/or has been. In this, he is not only able to
command himself but others as well in that the Ubermensch sets values that goes
beyond the realm of morality. What is characteristic of the Ubermensch is the
will to power; the power to set his/her own values and goals due to the
obedience to the self. The will to power can be characterized with having a
strong and enduring self-determination. Further, the reason why the will to power
is characteristic of the Ubermensch is that it is devoid of weakness (or in other
words moral values). The Ubermensch is equilivant to a modern day hero in that
the being is ready for hardships and struggles and has no pity or other
weakness. This being discharge their will into action; if he/she wants to seek revenge,
then revenge they will seek!
Now to my example of an Ubermensch. There were a few I
initially had in mind, such as Ghandi; however, when thinking about it, he
clearly was “working” within morality. Next I thought of the example of religious
cult leaders (such as Jim Jones and Marshall Applewhite of Heaven’s Gate), or
just cult leaders in general.
The Ubermensch =)
Also, here is a video clip of the Heaven's Gate initiation for those interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqSZhwu1Rwo
While I generally agree with your description of what an Übermensch is, I do not think Nietzsche would have considered anyone like Jim Jones or Applewhite to be these ideal "life-affirming" beings that he spoke of in his philosophy. The biggest issue with your example is that you claim that Ghandi could never have been an Übermensch because he functions under the rules of morality; however, cult leaders literally depend on blind obedience to some kind of higher force for power. Jim Jones could never have become a leader in a world of strong people, because strong people don't need God or Jim Jones to tell them how best to live their life. He looked for people who were weak, because he knew he could not compete with anyone else.
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