Nietzsche’s contributions to the development of early psychology and European existentialism are just a few contributions in his mind-blowing portfolio. Nietzsche suffered a great deal of pain in his life and this suffering made him contemplate the meaning behind all the suffering, this is the centre of his philosophy.

Nietzsche was born in Germany, during its shift from traditional society to modernization. Growing up with a pastor father, Nietzsche greatly understood the Christian faith in Europe. But, with the death of his father and later brother, he started questioning his (or his father’s) faith. He later developed health issues himself and suffered a great deal growing up as a Theologist. His failing health forced him to move from the heart of civilization to the corners of the Swiss Alps.

The forced isolation due to failing health opened doors to depression and nihilism. He contemplated the state of society and started questioning his Christian faith. Nietzsche decided the years left in him to find the meaning behind all the suffering and grief around him. His isolation helped him focus on his personal growth and find meaning in his life. Some great works include Beyond Good and Evil, Human- All Too Human, Thus Spoke Zarathustra, and On the Genealogy of Morals.

Nietzsche's biography

"The meaninglessness of suffering, not suffering itself, was the curse that layover mankind so far"

- Nietzsche

Nietzsche throughout his works concludes that there is no meaning behind our suffering. He recognized that there are no facts, only interpretations. In his book, Beyond Good and Evil, Nietzsche explores nature's duality. According to him, there is no good or evil in the world, our outlook, our understanding of society, and our upbringing decides what's good and what's evil. The concept of good and evil was defined by the Church (now the State), and we just follow the instruction manual without understanding the true nature of the object (good or evil). The duality in nature remains one of the foundations of modern psychology. The non-judgemental base of therapy extends his concept of Beyond Good and Evil.

Nietzsche- on meaning of life

Nietzche’s, Thus Spoke Zarathustra explosively announces the death of God and the meaninglessness in our sufferings. Nietzche believed that the move towards a scientific approach to life from the traditional model of religion leaves man no soul. Man in this scientific modern Europe does not believe in the existence of god and looks for the meaning of life beyond the church. This leaves the man wandering in this cold world. The loss of faith, according to Nietzche comes at the cost of feeling lost in the world. By no means did Nietzche promote religion, according to him each man was responsible for finding the meaning behind the suffering and exploring his true nature to become a Superman.

Nietzsche- on religion

"God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was the holiest and mightiest of all that the world has owned has bled to death under our knives...Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?"

- Nietzsche

Nietzche in his works concludes that finding the purpose for human existence is futile. It takes the meaning out of our daily lives. According to him, each individual is responsible for finding their own “individual meaning” and devoting their life to pursuing greatness through their meaning. Nietzche named the man who has found the meaning behind their life and pursuit of greatness through this meaning, Superman. Much like his predecessors, he believed that the human brain is capable of exceptional abilities, but only through self-introspection. Neitzche introduced the concept of ‘will to power’, power in this context means power over oneself, not others. Self-growth is the center of Nietzche’s philosophy.

Interpretation of his works

Nietzche fails to score the recognition he deserves because of the interpretation made by one man. The superman or master race according to him wasn’t about mastery over other races or people but mastery of own. The superman is aware of his existence and has coined the meaning of life of their own. He promoted self-growth, not supremacy.

Nietzsche's philosophy