In What Way Was Nietzsche Influenced by Schopenhauer's Work? How

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Nietzsche was heavily influenced by Schopenhauer's work, particularly his ideas on the will to power and the concept of the "Ubermensch" (overman). Schopenhauer's emphasis on the individual's will as the driving force behind human actions and his pessimistic view of the world as a place of suffering greatly impacted Nietzsche's own philosophical development.

However, Nietzsche's views departed from Schopenhauer's in several key ways. While Schopenhauer saw the will as a destructive and ultimately futile force, Nietzsche embraced the will to power as a creative and life-affirming principle. Additionally, Nietzsche rejected Schopenhauer's pessimism and instead advocated for a more affirmative and celebratory approach to life, even in the face of suffering.

Furthermore, Nietzsche's concept of the "Ubermensch" differed from Schopenhauer's idea of the ascetic saint. While Schopenhauer saw the ascetic saint as the ideal human who transcends the will and suffering, Nietzsche envisioned the Ubermensch as a self-overcoming individual who embraces life's challenges and creates their own values.

Overall, while Nietzsche was influenced by Schopenhauer's work, he ultimately developed his own unique philosophical perspective that departed from Schopenhauer's pessimism and offered a more affirmative and life-affirming outlook.

In What Way Was Nietzsche Influenced by Schopenhauer's Work? How

Definitions: