Finding Meaning in Life: An Existential Exploration Through Nietzsche's Philosophy

What does it all mean?

Nietzsche

Recently, a friend in his fifties has been questioning how to find meaning in his life. He's had several successful careers in engineering and technology. Whenever he felt bored with his work, he moved on to his next career path. One of those paths was to create his business, which also turned out to be a success. Now, with his son, an adult who established a life independent of his parents, of which his father is immensely proud. But what is next for my friend? My friends asked me to explain existentialism. I provided a brief explanation, and that was a jumping-off point to a deeper exploration of how he could find meaning at this stage of his life.

Fundamentally, existentialism is the theory that life is meaningless. From an existentialist point of view, there is no God, no higher authority, and no supernatural guide to life. Each individual must find their meaning and set of values. The search for meaning goes beyond accomplishing goals. For example, my friend is an engineer, but he might define his purpose and meaning in life through the ethical beliefs and principles of helping people live better lives.

In the continuation of this essay, existentialism focuses on the individual's experience of living in a seemingly meaningless or absurd world and searching for meaning and purpose. It is often associated with thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Søren Kierkegaard, and Friedrich Nietzsche.

Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher who lived in the 19th century. He is often associated with existentialism, although he did not label himself an existentialist. His ideas, however, influenced many thinkers who shaped existentialist philosophy in the 20th century.

He is best known for challenging traditional beliefs, especially those related to religion and morality. He believed people were stuck in systems that limited their potential and freedom. One of his most famous statements was that "God is dead." By this, Nietzsche meant that the old religious frameworks no longer held the same power in people's lives. He saw that society was moving away from a reliance on religious explanations, and he thought this presented both an opportunity and a danger.

He also believed people would feel emptiness without religion. They would no longer have the comfort of predefined meanings or values. However, he saw this as a chance for people to define their meaning in life. For Nietzsche, this was an essential part of becoming an authentic individual.

As my friend can attest, defining meaning is freeing and daunting. Nietzsche believed that very few people could handle this freedom. Most people, he thought, would prefer to live with the comfort of social norms and follow others rather than take control of their destiny. Nietzsche coined the term "the will to power" to describe the human drive to assert one's will and create meaning. He saw this as the path to living a life of true freedom and creativity.

"When Nietzsche Wept" by Irvin D. Yalom is a historical novel that blends fiction with philosophical ideas. The story revolves around an imagined encounter between Friedrich Nietzsche, the famous German philosopher, and Josef Breuer, a real-life Austrian physician and the founder of psychoanalysis. The book is set in the late 19th century and explores deep psychological and existential themes.

Yalom, the author, is a renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist who openly admits he is an atheist. He has become quite old, and I am still determining his current activities. Irvin Yalom is an existentialist.

In the novel, Nietzsche struggles with his emotional and mental issues, though he is already beginning to develop his famous philosophical ideas. Breuer is dealing with his crises and feeling trapped in his professional life and marriage. The central plot revolves around Breuer attempting to treat Nietzsche, but the roles gradually shift. Both men confront their demons as they engage in deep conversations about life, meaning, and suffering.

One of the major themes in the novel, "When Nietzsche Wept," is that despair comes from a feeling that life is meaningless. In his real life, Nietzsche often wrote about the absence of meaning in life. He said life without meaning left many people hopeless. In the novel, Nietzsche struggles with this despair while Breuer tries to help him find healing. However, their conversations reveal no simple cure for existential suffering. Instead, the novel suggests facing this suffering can lead to growth and self-awareness.

Yalom uses the characters' dialogue to explore Nietzsche's philosophical ideas, such as the "will to power" and embracing life's hardships. Nietzsche believed people could overcome despair by accepting and finding strength through life's struggles. This concept is reflected throughout the book as both Nietzsche and Breuer wrestle with their internal conflicts.

The novel also delves into psychotherapy and the importance of human connection. As Breuer and Nietzsche exchange ideas, both men are, in some ways, helping each other. Nietzsche's powerful insights challenge Breuer's conventional beliefs, while Breuer offers Nietzsche a way to confront his emotional pain. The book suggests that healing often comes from intellectual understanding and deep personal engagement with another person.

At age 82, the questions are different for me, but perhaps that is the topic for another essay. I am open to suggestions.