Nietzsche and Psychology | How To Become Who You Are | Academy of Ideas
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updated 21 Aug 2023
In the late 19th century, philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche asserted his status as a unique psychologist among philosophers, claiming that he introduced genuine psychology to the field. His self-assessment gains credence from the influence his psychological insights had on prominent 20th-century psychologists like Freud, Jung, and Adler. Nietzsche's psychological inquiries were driven by his belief in acquiring knowledge to invigorate life rather than mere theoretical speculation. Central to his exploration was the pursuit of understanding how individuals realize their true selves, as exemplified in his autobiography's subtitle, "How One Becomes What One Is." Nietzsche critiqued his predecessors for lacking genuine introspection due to societal norms and self-imposed limitations. He conceptualized the human psyche as complex and multi-layered, beyond complete comprehension, referencing the deep nature of the soul as expressed by the ancient philosopher Heraclitus.
Nietzsche's approach to exploring the psyche contrasts with most people who stay at surface levels due to fear of its complexity.
Nietzsche acknowledges that delving into the depths of the psyche isn't suitable for everyone due to the potential risks.
He likens the exploration of one's inner world to entering a labyrinth, where dangers multiply, and losing one's way could lead to madness.
While it might be perilous for many, it's essential for a select few whose psyche is more profound and tumultuous.
Individuals with greater depths and inner conflicts turn inward to understand and organize their psyche, seeking harmony.
Nietzsche cites Goethe as an example of someone who disciplined themselves to achieve a harmonious totality within their psyche.
Self-creation doesn't imply forming from scratch; individuals have inherent natures that impose limits on their potential.
At the core of each person lies an unteachable, unchangeable element, a "granite of spiritual fatum" or personal destiny.
Our Nature
Our nature is characterized by predetermined responses to predetermined questions, showing an unchangeable aspect of our identity when essential issues arise.
Nietzsche asserts that our nature is shaped by various factors: early life experiences, inherited traits, and historical influences.
He suggests that past cultures and traditions persist within us, impacting our lives from the deeper layers of our psyche.
The intermingling of diverse historical forms of life creates a chaotic aspect within modern souls.
Nietzsche emphasizes the importance of actively exploring history to achieve genuine self-awareness, stating that personal observation alone is insufficient.
The absence of a "historical sense" contributes to the modern individual's feeling of being adrift in an absurd world, lacking a conscious connection to the past.
Prehistoric Drives
Nietzsche contrasts a people losing faith in their history with individuals possessing a "historical sense," connecting themselves to their past for well-being.
Beyond cultural influences, prehistorical drives and impulses reside in the deeper layers of the human psyche.
Just as the body retains traces of earlier developmental stages, the psyche contains primitive drives stretching back to humanity's prehistory.
Despite surface-level civilization, all humans retain an animalistic and archaic aspect within, which Nietzsche refers to as "ancient humanity and animality."
Nietzsche emphasizes that these uncivilized layers include potentially destructive inclinations, such as aggression and uncontrolled sexual lust.
Instead of repressing these tendencies, Nietzsche suggests exploring and harnessing their energy, similar to redirecting a river's force.
Within the prehistoric psyche, there also exist "divine animal" instincts, unconscious drives that helped ancestors thrive in harsh environments before modern consciousness emerged.
Modern Drives
Modern individuals have largely lost connection with ancient instincts, relying heavily on consciousness, which Nietzsche sees as the "weakest and most fallible organ."
Nietzsche contends that within the recesses of the mind, archaic helpers remain dormant, capable of aiding in situations where consciousness falters.
The modern person lacks trust in their "divine animal" instincts and struggles when understanding fails or challenges arise.
The coexistence of historical, prehistorical, and animalistic drives creates a multitude of conflicting impulses, leading to an internal state of chaos.
In opposition to the notion of a unified human mind proposed by other philosophers, Nietzsche views the psyche as a multiplicity of drives and affects in constant rivalry and alliances.
He describes the human psyche as a "social structure of drives and affects," akin to a city where conflicting sub-personalities coexist.
Nietzsche's aim is to guide himself and his readers toward harmonizing the conflicting drives and impulses, providing coordination among the diverse forces within.
The Organizing Idea
Nietzsche proposes achieving inner harmony through an "organizing idea" or "ruling passion," a dominant master drive that serves as the living center of the psyche.
This organizing idea isn't a result of willpower but possesses its own intelligence, revealing itself over a lifetime.
Discovering the master drive involves remaining attentive and allowing it to grow unhindered.
The organizing idea gradually guides individuals away from distractions and towards their ultimate purpose.
This concept shapes and arranges the diverse psychological forces within, allowing focused pursuit of a heroic goal that brings meaning to life.
Nietzsche underscores the significance of the organizing idea, highlighting that forming oneself and shaping a cohesive identity is akin to the work of a sculptor or a productive human being.
Conclusion
Nietzsche's psychological insights are comprehensive and perceptive, driven by his belief in the necessity of analyzing the modern human psyche.
Critics argue that his insights might be dismissed due to his own mental illness, which afflicted him from a young age until his death.
Some may question the relevance of his ideas on self-discovery when considering his personal struggles with mental health.
Despite potential skepticism, Nietzsche's mental illness could have had an organic origin, challenging the direct link between his insights and his condition.
A passage from Nietzsche's unpublished notes offers an eerie foreshadowing of his later mental health struggles, raising questions about his ability to save others when he couldn't save himself.
The passage emphasizes the individual nature of human experience, implying that even if Nietzsche faced challenges, his insights could still hold value for others with different circumstances.