This will be the first in a series of posts where I break down my interpretation of certain concepts by more well-known philosophers, as such, here is what this post will be to be referred back to in the future: I will discuss my own thoughts and feelings on the subject matter and what my takeaways have been. I may even entirely misunderstand the concept, but if I feel that I got something profound from it, that is what I will talk about.
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche is no doubt my all-time favorite philosopher (as you may be able to tell from the name of this blog), and The Heaviest Burden (shown in its entirety at the top of this post) is a large part of why, along with his theories of an overman and his biting cultural critique. I had always heard from people that Nietzsche was a nihilistic, doom-and-gloom kind of philosopher, but in all my readings of his work, I felt that it conveyed hopeful tones and messages; inspiring words for individuals who are struggling not to be overwhelmed by the tribe. He is not well enough accredited in my opinion; people rarely realize how many of his quotes are used daily with no citation of Nietzsche anywhere to be found. “What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger” “God is dead” “…when one gazes into the abyss…”
Digression and gushing aside, The Heaviest Burden, found in his book “The Gay Science” (Alternatively translated as “The Joyful Wisdom”), is such a passage as has indeed, as he puts it, lain upon my actions as the greatest weight. What habits would I have to make or break to even be comfortable repeating this life countless times? What past mistakes would I have to make peace with? What future planning would I need to put in place? I think about these things just shy of daily. And remember, being comfortable is only the first level, the first step in the journey proposed by Nietzsche’s demon. The goal is to be happy, nay, overjoyed at the prospect.
I know that this passage is only hypothetical, but I believe that it is an important thought experiment that should be considered with some frequency. Nobody wants to die having lived a life full of regrets, but I believe Nietzsche’s proposed situation takes this fear to its logical extreme. What if I had to live this life infinite times? Not just one regret-filled life, but countless? It makes one shudder.
I have shown this philosophy to many people, many of whom would look for ways out, “I would kill myself to shorten the suffering as much as possible”, many of whom mistake the scenario for a choice, a would-you-push-the-button sort of scenario whether they would cost not to accept the fermions demon’s offer. Most people just don’t get it. I may have explained it poorly or not provided enough context. Or maybe, just maybe, the mind refuses to entertain this thought on any level deeper than the surface. Suicide won’t change the outcome of you living infinite times the same events, and the demon isn’t offering anything, he’s explaining.
Life is hard, but we can do it. You got this, I got this. Good luck to us on living a life that we’d be happy to repeat infinite times.