In out last class as we continued our discussion of Nietzche and his analogy concerning the slave revolt we came across the word "Asceticism" which was define as the action of "yes-saying" This idea was not really expanded on in the class to the point where I understood what it really meant so I wanted to find out how this ties in to our discussion.
By definition Asceticism is a life style of abstinence from multiple worldly pleasure with the purpose of pursing religious or spiritual goal. In the christian and Indian Religion it serves as a teaching of salvation and liberation-a transformation for the mind and soul A way to create a freedom in an individual's life.
Nietzche divides the meaning up of what asceticism is in 6 different parts, individualizing it for 6 different types of people: the artist, philosopher, women, philosophical causalities, priests and saints. He goes into detail as to how each individual type experiences and how the ascetic ideal affects them. After reading sources on this I tried to come up with a meaning of what Nietzche was saying and I came up with this definition. It is the yes-saying of our willingness to test our limits, our willingness to struggle to achieve full power over ourselves and possibly nature.
But what makes this ideal life affirming and is this what he means by the birds of prey not being able to assert themselves.
http://www.themystica.com/mystica/articles/a/asceticism.html
I would argue that asceticism is actually a life-denying practice rather than a life-affirming one. It is the priestly caste that first suggests that salvation comes not in this life but the next. This to me is a denial of this life for the sake of some higher 'moral' purpose.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Ben, asceticism is indeed life-denying, as in many practices (read Siddhartha by Herman Hesse) the practitioner must come to terms with the death of the body in many ways; starvation, lack of breath, etc... in order to reach really any depth within the practice. This would be very life denying to Nietzsche because your will as an ascetic is only exercised on yourself...
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree with Ben and Colin. It is hard to argue that asceticism is life affirming when the very practices (as described by Colin) are life denying. Even if it is not taken to the depths that Colin describes, asceticism is looking towards a life that we cannot fathom, so really what is the point in waiting for that?
ReplyDeleteIn some cases it is life-denying, but it also gives many a reason to live a good life. It could be said they are living in the mindset of slave morality but is it all truly life-denying? I have read Siddhartha and agree with you that it can be but many do not take these religions in general literally. If one lives by just the moral standards and values set and lives a "good life" are they really life-denying?
ReplyDeleteNietzsche would argue that a life lived according to the slave morality can never be a 'good life'. It is a sick, decadent, unhealthy life.
ReplyDelete