Outline and Illustrate Nietzsches Concept of the bermensch

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Outline and Illustrate Nietzsche’s Concept of the ‘Übermensch’ (11 Marks) Literally translated, Übermensch means ‘Overman’ or ‘Superman’. This is Nietzsche’s idea of man triumphing over what is deemed ‘normal’ by society as a whole, what is expected by the vast majority of people (‘Herd Morality’). That the Übermensch is the next step on the evolutionary ladder, internally superseding ‘Joe the Plumber’ men, becoming a new generation to replace the neutered, underachievers. This sort of ideal runs completely parallel to what Christianity teaches, counter to the intuitive nature of humans and against people’s accepted social norms. The Übermensch is an aloof, solitary figure, doing what he wants in order to achieve his goal. Intelligent and charismatic, the Übermensch can step on other people (using them as a means to an end) in order to get to the top. Nothing is above him, he is a law unto himself, doing as he sees fit. He sees Christianity as an escape for the weak minded, why answer to a higher power? He sees the world as the be all and end all, there is no other world in which to escape to. No heaven or hell to hold him accountable for his actions on Earth, giving him a freedom Christians do not have. The teachings of Christ implore we humans to be charitable, to do un to others as you would have them do unto you. Nietzsche Übermensch sees charity as an unproductive activity, not providing any enhancement to his aims, and as such, not worth doing. Having said the Übermensch is solitary and aloof, this also brings into question human nature. As a social being, humans need to feel accepted by those around them, to go along with the crowd. The ideals of the rest of humanity must be overcome to achieve your full potential, ignore the instincts bred into you by society. This sort of behaviour is characterised by the anonymous protagonist in Chuck
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