Being Human

In his work Human, All Too Human, Nietzsche articulates that the illogical aspects of existence often lead thinkers to despair. He remarks that much goodness stems from these illogical elements, deeply embedded in passions, language, art, and religion—essential components that imbue life with significance. To extricate these aspects would cause irreversible damage to life's beauty. Nietzsche asserts that only the naïve believe humanity can be entirely transformed into a logical entity; even if such a transformation were possible, it would require the loss of much along the way.

Direct self-observation alone is insufficient for true self-knowledge; Nietzsche emphasizes the importance of history, which influences us profoundly. He contends that psychological observation serves as both a rich source of enjoyment and a valuable tool for understanding. Just as good readers enhance a book's clarity, good critics sharpen our understanding.

Know Thyself

Nietzsche observes that human existence is steeped in untruth, suggesting that individuals cannot escape this well of deception without grappling with their past and finding their present motives absurd. He states, "My head does not sit properly on my shoulders; it is well known that everyone else knows better than I what I should do: only I, the unfortunate one, remain oblivious." Are we not all akin to statues with mismatched heads? “But you, dear neighbor, are the exception.”

As our vision sharpens, we may begin to discern the depths of our being and the distant constellations of future cultures reflected within it.

Learning to Love

Nietzsche encourages us to cultivate love and kindness, asserting that goodwill is a small yet immensely impactful aspect of life. He argues that science should focus on these plentiful, minor yet effective elements rather than solely on rare, monumental discoveries. The cumulative impact of these small acts of kindness is substantial, as Nietzsche suggests that their collective force is one of the most powerful.

Echoing Nietzsche’s sentiment, philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau inquired, “What wisdom can you find greater than kindness?”

Final Thoughts

Practicing psychological observation aids in comprehending what it means to be human, fostering self-awareness and the ability to love. Nietzsche asserts that mastering this art can help maintain composure in challenging situations and provide amusement in dull circumstances.

To conclude with another quote from Human, All Too Human, “The more thoroughly a person understands life, the less he will mock, although, in the end, he might still mock the thoroughness of his understanding.”

Thank you for engaging with this reflection; I hope you found it valuable. For more insights, consider tuning into our podcasts or subscribing to our free weekly email meditation to receive three timeless thoughts directly in your inbox.