Life is the will to power; our natural desire to dominate and reshape the world to fit our own
preferences and assert our personal strength to the fullest degree. - Friedrich Nietzsche
Are you truly in control of your life, or are you letting the world control you? Strength
isn’t just about muscles or toughness—it’s about how you face life’s challenges. German
philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche believed that true strength lies in your mind,
in your will to rise above fear, doubt, and mediocrity. The question is: Are you shaping
your destiny? Or are you trapped in a cycle of excuses, letting life just happen to you?
In his philosophy, Nietzsche talked about the concept called the Will to
Power. This is the drive inside of us that pushes us to survive, do our best,
and keep improving. It’s about always trying to get better and being true to yourself. It's
about overcoming your own challenges and fears. Nietzsche also talked about weakness. He said
that weakness is the opposite of strength. Weakness is when people avoid challenges,
stay in their comfort zones, and don’t try to improve. He didn’t like weakness because it stops
people from becoming their best selves. In his book Beyond Good and Evil,
Nietzsche explained two ways of thinking: master morality and slave morality.
Master morality is the way strong people think. They believe in always trying to
get better and becoming the best version of themselves. They don’t just accept their
problems—they face them and find ways to change their lives for the better.
Slave morality is the way weak people think. They feel stuck, and instead of trying to change,
they blame their problems on others or on bad luck. Nietzsche called them “slaves”
because they don’t have the strength to take control of their own lives.
So, here’s a question for you: Are you the master of your own life, or do you let outside
influences control you? Do you feel stuck, or do you want to change and get better? In this video,
we’re going to talk about Nietzsche’s ideas about strength, weakness, and the difference between
master and slave thinking. We’ll give you some ideas on how you can change and become the master
of your own life. Let’s get started! 1. Individuality vs. Conformity
The first difference we can notice between master and slave morality is their willingness
and motivation for change and creation. Masters are driven by an inner compass, defining their
values from within. These individuals create their values based on strength and power,
and thus assert their individuality. Masters determine what is "good" based on
their qualities and achievements, embracing life with confidence and vigor. They see themselves
as the creators of their destiny, taking full responsibility for their choices and outcomes.
Nietzsche describes this as a proactive stance because masters do not seek validation from
others but instead affirm their existence and values through their actions and decisions.
We all know someone who embodies this master morality. Picture a leader who builds something
new—a business, a movement, or even an idea. They are unafraid to take risks and create from
scratch, not waiting for approval or reacting to others. Instead, they shape their world
according to their tastes, needs, and values. In contrast, slaves don't question societal
norms or rules—they internalize them and follow them without deviation. Their conformity helps
them fit into the group, but it suppresses their individuality. The herd mentality
keeps them from standing out or challenging norms, making them believe that following the
crowd is always the right thing to do. Nietzsche saw this herd mentality as a
sign of decline in culture and spirit. It trades greatness for the comfort and
safety of the majority. By choosing to fit in and avoid standing out, people suppress their
individuality and miss the chance to achieve true greatness. And in turn, this reduces the
individual’s capacity for growth and creativity. The slave does not only accept societal norms but
also finds comfort in doing so. For Nietzsche, this passive acceptance of norms—avoiding
challenges and sticking to what’s easy—leads people to lose the chance to grow, be creative,
and become greater versions of themselves. This is the key difference: master morality
is about self-assertion and transformation, while slave morality is about passivity and submission.
If you aim to transform your life, strive to embody the master morality Nietzsche describes.
Start by identifying your personal values, beliefs, and goals. Detach yourself from
societal norms and expectations. Reject external impositions and cultivate your original values.
For example, society might tell you to become a doctor or lawyer because it’s seen as a good job,
but if you love art, maybe your goal should be to become an artist. By clarifying what
you value and aspire to be, you will have a clear direction for your life and this
clarity is crucial for progress. Writing down your values and goals is a significant
step towards mastering your life. So instead of blindly accepting societal values, define your
own and become the master of your destiny! 2. Self-Overcoming vs. Passive Conformity
One way masters assert their individuality is through self-overcoming. In fact,
some might even say that this distinction is the most crucial one because it separates
the two moralities most accurately. When we think of a master what initially
comes to mind is someone completely in control of their life. A master is someone who does
not let external factors influence their decisions and their way of life. They are
also someone who has the ability to change and even completely transform their life
around themselves. That is why when Nietzsche talks about master morality he emphasizes the
ability for transformation and self-overcoming. Master morality encourages individuals to strive
to overcome their limitations and thus, assert their own values. This process involves actively
challenging yourself, embracing personal growth, and pursuing excellence without reliance on
external validation. They are the ones who create their own values because, for masters, morality
is internal - it originates from their will and vision, not from external rules or societal norms.
Nietzsche gives the best description of the self-overcoming process in his book
"Thus Spoke Zarathustra". The self-overcoming process has three stages of transformation.
The first stage is how the spirit becomes a camel. The second stage is how the camel
becomes a lion. And finally, the third stage is how the lion becomes a child.
Let’s separate these three stages and give an
example so that we can understand what they are. Let’s examine the artist...
In the first phase, the artist is like a camel, carrying a heavy load of learning. They spend
years studying the techniques of great artists and mastering the fundamentals, such as color theory,
perspective, and the history of art. This stage is tough and can feel overwhelming, much like a
camel trudging through the desert. But it’s a necessary burden—without it, the artist can't
move forward to the next stage of their journey. In the second phase, the artist has to become
like a lion, standing strong and asserting their own identity. This is when they start breaking
free from traditional methods and creating art that reflects their individuality. For example,
they might move away from realism and explore abstraction or other unconventional styles. Just
like a lion rules its territory, the artist now confidently takes control of their creative path,
distinguishing themselves from other artists. In the final phase, the artist becomes like a
child, creating something entirely new and unique. At this point, the painter finally reaches a point
of pure creativity, where they are no longer burdened by technicalities or the need to rebel
against tradition. They create art that is fresh, authentic, and uniquely theirs—something that
surprises even themselves. For example, they might invent a completely new art style or technique,
such as Jackson Pollock's drip painting. In this phase, like a child, they create
with innocence and playfulness, free from the weight of their past struggles and influences.
The process that Nietzsche mentions is the transformation process of the Overman or
Ubermensch in German. The Overman is someone who rises above conventional values and limitations,
creating their own path in life with strength, self-mastery,
and a deep sense of individuality. This master morality rests upon the foundations of mastery
over yourself, and this is the main reason why Nietzsche loved the master morality so much.
In contrast to the masters, when we think of a slave, what comes to mind is someone with his
head looking down, silently accepting the fate of his life. It's almost as if they have a master
above them that they must obey and who controls everything that they do. Nietzsche's conception of
slave morality is somewhat similar. Slave morality does not even have the concept of self-overcoming.
Instead of striving to become greater and overcome themselves, slaves conform to external morals,
often imposed by the authority in their society or religion. Rather than questioning the norms
and rules of how their life is supposed to be, slaves accept them passively, even when they
suppress their individuality or potential. Because of that, we can even say that it’s
not a stance that you would want to adopt, and it’s certainly not healthy for your personality.
3. Pride vs. Victimhood People who have what Nietzsche
calls a "master morality" are proud and confident in their skills. They know what
they're good at and they aren't afraid to show it. But their pride isn't about being boastful
or arrogant; it's about respecting themselves and understanding their own potential. Masters focus
on their strengths and what they can achieve. Nietzsche thinks this kind of confidence is
important because it helps people grow and aim for greatness, without being held back by what
society expects of them. Imagine an artist who loves their work. They proudly share their art
with others and don't let criticism bring them down. They believe in their art and
themselves, no matter what anyone else says. On the other hand, people with a "slave morality"
do the opposite. Instead of focusing on what they can do well, they dwell on their problems
and hardships. They see themselves as victims in every situation and blame others for their
difficulties. They expect others to feel sorry for them and validate their suffering. Nietzsche
didn't like slave morality because he believed it kept people stuck in a negative mindset,
where they focus too much on their problems and what they’ve lost, instead of moving forward. He
felt that this way of thinking kept people stuck and unable to grow. He also disliked
religion for promoting this kind of thinking. In our daily lives, we can see this attitude
in some people around us. When something bad happens to them, they don’t try to fix things
or make their situation better. Instead, they just think about their losses or how
they’ve been wronged. Nietzsche believed that having pride and confidence helps
people feel strong and take control of their lives, but always thinking of yourself as a
victim just keeps you stuck in one place. To embody the qualities of a master, it's
essential to move away from the victim mentality. The first step is to take responsibility for your
actions and mindset. Reflect on times when you blame others or external circumstances
for your struggles. Write down those instances and identify one thing you can do to regain
control in each situation. Shift your mindset from “I can’t succeed because of this” to “What
can I do to improve despite this?” This change in perspective empowers you to take charge of
your life, no matter the challenges. Another crucial aspect is practicing
self-discipline. Start by choosing a small, consistent habit that aligns with your goals
and stick to it. Completing tasks, even minor ones, boosts your confidence and strengthens
your sense of self-reliance, showing you that you have the power to shape your own outcomes.
Standing up for yourself is also important. Focus on improving your posture and
communication skills, and make a conscious effort to speak clearly and confidently,
even if you’re uncertain. Learning to say “no” to things that don’t align with your values and
priorities helps you protect your energy and maintain your focus on what truly matters.
Lastly, being authentic is key to avoiding the victim mindset. Take a moment to reflect
on areas where you might be pretending to be someone else or hiding your true
self. Being honest about who you are and what you want ensures you're on the right path and
not trapped in the role of the victim. By embracing responsibility, self-discipline,
confidence, and authenticity, you can step into the power and autonomy of a true master.
4. Creative Energy vs. Resentment and Justification
One of the key differences between masters and slaves is creativity. Master morality is
driven by a creative energy that allows individuals to shape their own futures.
They take the initiative, innovate, and leave their mark on the world because their focus
is on building something meaningful, not tearing others down. This creative impulse,
according to Nietzsche, is not just important for the individual—it’s vital for cultural progress
and the growth of civilization as a whole. On the other hand, slave morality is rooted
in resentment toward those who are strong or successful. Slaves often focus their energy on
justifying their position in life or criticizing those who have achieved success, rather than using
their energy to create something new. Instead of building, they destroy. This resentment often
shows itself through the need to explain away failures, blaming external factors or societal
structures instead of taking responsibility or seeking solutions. Nietzsche believed this
focus on justification stifles personal growth and potential, creating a cycle of negativity.
One example of this is jealousy. Most of us know someone who is constantly jealous or critical.
When we look deeper into their behavior, we see exactly what Nietzsche describes. Jealous people
often focus on the weaknesses in others, criticizing their work instead of looking
for solutions or creating something of their own. It's as if their job is to find flaws,
not to contribute anything positive. So instead of criticizing others, Nietzsche
suggests focusing on finding solutions to problems. This creative energy can be used to make
the world better, just like masters do. Here’s how you can start: First, think about problems people
face. What struggles are they dealing with? If you can find multiple problems, prioritize
them and pick the one that needs attention most urgently. Next, look at how others are
trying to solve these problems. Don’t mock their efforts, even if they’re not perfect. Instead,
gather ideas from all the existing solutions and compare them. Look for weaknesses or areas that
could be improved. Once you've identified the weak spots, that’s where your creative energy should
go. Rather than just criticizing or justifying others' failures, put your energy into solving
the problem. By doing this, you’ll be engaging in the same creative process that masters do.
You’ll be focused on offering a solution that can make life better for everyone,
just like the masters who are driven by their creative energy to make the world a better place.
5. Life-Affirmation vs. Life-Denial One of the most significant differences
between master and slave morality lies in how they approach life. Masters affirm life by embracing
their desires, ambitions, and even its challenges. They welcome every opportunity with open arms,
never hesitating to seize it. This is where Amor Fati, the love of fate, comes into play. Masters
not only accept life as it is but love every part of it, including its flaws and imperfections.
They say yes to life—all of life—understanding that every experience, every hardship, is an
essential part of their journey. To the master, there is no such thing as bad luck or failure;
there are only opportunities for growth. Nietzsche’s concept of Amor Fati captures
this perfectly: it’s the idea of embracing everything that happens, not just the positive,
but the struggles, the obstacles, and even the pain. For the master, this perspective fosters
creativity and vitality, allowing individuals to thrive by overcoming challenges rather than
avoiding them. Take, for example, a professional athlete. Athletes face many hardships, but they
don’t stop training when it gets tough. They embody Amor Fati by accepting and even embracing
setbacks as necessary for their growth. Despite failures, they keep moving forward,
seeing each one as a stepping stone to success. They embody the idea that failure is not something
to be feared but something to be welcomed. By contrast, slave morality rejects life’s
challenges, viewing them as unfair or impossible to overcome. This mindset promotes a worldview
that sees suffering as inherently negative and seeks to escape it through moralizing
weakness. The concept of Amor Fati is alien to the person who lives by slave morality,
as they do not see suffering as part of the natural rhythm of life. Instead, they might
view their suffering as a form of punishment or a test they must endure. In this mindset,
suffering is often romanticized as a virtue. People with a "slave morality" might believe
that their suffering makes them unique or morally superior, but often, they do little to actually
address the issues causing their pain. They might think that their struggles will be rewarded later,
in some divine afterlife, and thus avoid taking steps to improve things in the present. For
example, they might hold onto beliefs like "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit
the earth" or "Rejoice in your suffering, for it leads to righteousness." While these beliefs can
offer comfort and hope, they also encourage passive acceptance, preventing any action.
Nietzsche critiques this perspective because it denies individuals their potential,
encouraging them to see themselves as victims rather than agents of change. But the master,
through Amor Fati, doesn’t see obstacles as enemies to be avoided but as opportunities for
growth. The athlete, understanding that failure is part of the process, doesn’t fear it. They
know that hardship is necessary for mastery. So, if you want to become a master like the
athlete, you need to start embracing your struggles, too. Create a detailed
plan for overcoming your challenges, big or small. Whether the challenge is personal or professional,
don’t focus on the obstacle itself. Focus on the solution, and break down the steps to take action.
By embracing Amor Fati, you’ll see each challenge not as something to be feared, but as a chance to
grow, improve, and get closer to your goal. Greatness comes not from avoiding failure but
from learning to love the entire journey—the ups, the downs, and everything in between. By creating
a plan and taking consistent steps, you can overcome any challenge in front of you, turning
even your hardships into sources of strength. This is the essence of Amor Fati and the spirit
of master morality: to love your fate and, in doing so, become the creator of your own destiny.
If you enjoyed this video, please make sure to check out our full philosophies for life playlist
and for more videos to help you find success and happiness using beautiful philosophical wisdom,
don’t forget to subscribe. Thanks so much for watching.