"Kendinden hiç hoşnut olmayan pek çok insan gördüm, bunlar önce başkalarının kendileri hakkında İyi düşünmelerini sağlamaya çalışırlar. Bunu başarınca da bu sefer kendileri hakkında iyi düşünmeye başlarlar. Ama bu sahte bir çözümdür, bu başkalarının otoritesi altına girmeyi kabullenmektir. Size düşen ödev kendinizi kabullenmenizdir.
"Nietzsche Ağladığında, Irvin D. Yalom"
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Balancing Thought:
A critical analysis of the modern advent of Nietzschean epistemology.
The era of the internet has given birth to several new beliefs, ideologies and claims. But what it has best done is reinforce certain movements and revolutions so dangerous and unsettling, they must be severely dealt with. The dawn of Instagram and internet forums like 4chan have heralded a revolution against the thought of modern civilization.
Cinema, an ever-evolving medium of art and expression, often draws inspiration from diverse philosophical underpinnings. The captivating lunacy of Nietzschean philosophy has weaved its way into popular films, offering intricate explorations of human nature. We have come across a strange romanticization of characters of psychopaths, emotionless murderers, unspoken and mindless megalomaniacs. This horrific perception of world bending idealism and its consequences have been disastrous to our society. From the edgy allure of Fight Club to the dingy depths of American Psycho and Nightcrawler, movies often draw from a variety of sources to craft their narratives. One of the most notable influences in recent years has been Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy, which has found a home in these thought-provoking films. However, it's essential to scrutinize the potential impact of Nietzschean ideas on the impressionable minds of the youth.
We can see Nietzsche’s flow of thoughts make an influence on all eccentric artists alike. The influence of Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment on these movies is undeniable. Dostoevsky's exploration of guilt, morality, and the human psyche is a cornerstone in the foundation of Nietzschean-inspired narratives. Raskolnikov's moral dilemma mirrors the internal struggles depicted in the movies, further cementing the link between Dostoevsky's work and modern cinematic interpretations. For example, Patrick Bateman is literally Raskolnikov but as a corporate employee at a big firm; the Protagonist from Fight Club represents Raskolnikov’s doom centric worldview, a collapsitarian ignorance and the immutable belief in Nietzschean “Will to power” which rejects Godly morality and insinuates upon resolving to barbarism, which both eventually do in their own stories.
Nietzsche’s claim of the fading belief in the transcendent and a call for individual action, while remaining true, also gets horribly misconstrued. In fact, going as far as saying that Nietzsche’s sole resolve was an ad hominem and confirmation bias against classical Christian theology wouldn’t be wrong. He simply discards the objective morality (Of not good and bad but of order and chaos.) in a vapid and hollow pursuit of the self. It's crucial to offer a counterbalance that promotes inner peace and empathy.
Oriental and Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism and Taoism, have long emphasized the importance of interconnectedness, mindfulness, and harmony. The rise of Christianity did bring about significant cultural and social transformations, including the spread of knowledge and values that contributed to peace and civilization. Nietzsche's dissenting voice does not negate these achievements but rather seeks to enrich them with new perspectives. Yet, amidst the shadows cast by Nietzschean thought, there exists a realm of Eastern wisdom waiting to be explored.
Vaishnavism, a branch of Hindu philosophy, promotes devotion, love, and compassion towards all living beings. Its emphasis on interconnectedness and unity offers a poignant counterbalance to the individualistic themes present in Nietzschean-inspired cinema. Similarly, Advaita, rooted in the Upanishads, delves into the concept of non-duality, challenging us to see beyond the illusion of separateness and embrace a more holistic perspective. The concept of God, a cornerstone of human belief systems, has undergone a transformation over time. As societies progress and cultures evolve, the traditional image of a higher deity gives way to more nuanced and diverse interpretations. This transcendence is not an endorsement of degeneration, as some critics argue, but a testament to the growth of human thought, fostering critical thinking and an expanded capacity for empathy.
As we traverse the intricate labyrinth of cinematic narratives and philosophical ideologies, we are reminded of the profound impact they wield on our perceptions and beliefs. Nietzschean philosophy, with its mesmerizing appeal, offers us a glimpse into the darker recesses of human nature, prompting contemplation and reflection. Yet, as we explore these depths, we must not forget the wisdom that emanates from Vaishnavism and Advaita, inviting us to embrace interconnectedness, compassion, and non-duality.
At the core of the Bhakti movement lies a profound devotion to the divine. Through selfless love and unwavering faith, adherents seek to dissolve the ego and merge with the transcendent. This devotion extends beyond the self, fostering a sense of unity with all living beings. In a world characterized by division, the Bhakti movement's emphasis on interconnectedness provides a powerful antidote to Nietzsche's individualism. The altruistic Advaita philosophy challenges the divisive notions propagated by Nietzschean thought, reminding us of the inherent interconnectedness of existence. By transcending the illusion of separateness, Advaita offers a holistic perspective that resonates with the Bhakti movement's call for devotion and unity.
Ironically enough, today's groups on the internet claim to bring order using Nietzsche’s flawed perspectives of the world which have been depicted to bring disharmony countless times. In a world marked by differing philosophical perspectives, the stories of characters like Po from Kungfu Panda, Rango, Musashi from Vagabond, Thorfin from Vinland saga, and Forrest Gump illuminate the path of Eastern idealism—a path that champions compassion, humility, and selflessness. As we navigate the complex tapestry of human experiences, these characters serve as beacons of hope, reminding us that goodness and harmony are attainable through diverse narratives. And lastly, they remind us that true power comes not from arrogant dominance and indomitable spirit, but by empathetic cooperation. The world can be conquered best by simply serving it.
- Gagan Deepankar V
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I was beginning to hate conversation. I was sick of every word that passed through my mouth. It seemed spoiled, rotten, regurgitated and meaningless. God, I felt so sick, right then and there, I thought I might die from all these unspilt words. Can one die from an unfinished thought? From an unexpressed feeling? I think so. Yes, it seems more ghastly a fate than if I were to stop breathing. Feelings stacked higher and higher, nowhere to go but deeper within, and I am pulled inwards with them and their twisted ambiguity. I am sick of it. I want to shed it all, god I want to get rid of this, what I can’t say or speak or show but feel so heavily and without fail that I am sure I am nothing if not this. How can I escape? Is there an end to this, a reprieve? A refuge? Is there anyplace else? Is nowhere left untouched? All I know is I want to go somewhere, far from this, but I am starting to believe against the hope I belong to, as the night creeps in and I brace myself for day, that no place will be far enough. And I have never felt my existence more terribly than in this.
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