I have, based on your recommendation, read John Richardson's Nietzsche's Values and I truly enjoyed it. It is pretty accessible but still enormously rich in detail, and -I agree with you- Nietzsche got a lot of things right. I was wondering whether you can recommend any other book on Nietzsche or Jung that are similar to the one I just mentioned?
Secondly, I am truly fascinated by the opponent processing that is already present in Nietzsche's thinking between, on the one hand, the agential values imposed on us by society, and -on the other- our own intrinsic values, which sometimes leads to conflicts but Nietzsche wants to align.
It reminded me of a talk that David Sloan Wilson once gave at my school here in Norway, in which he mentioned the opponent processing going on in populations of water striders. At the level of the organism, aggressive males are more successful because they get access to more mates. At the population level, however, there is selection for harmony because these groups will be more successful than others (please check the paper here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2962763/). In one of your previous posts, you mention exactly this mechanism as a driver towards more complexity. Nietzsche furthermore also holds the position that within us the drives may have conflicting goals, hence opponent processing again.
Thanks! Nietzsche's recognition of the eternal conflict between individual and group is fascinating and is something I'll have a whole article about in this series. Jordan Peterson, too, spent a lot of time on that conflict in Maps of Meaning. I'll check out the Wilson paper, thanks for sharing.
I would like to add one more thing, Brett. Michele Gelfand has done work on tight and loose societies. Her argument is exactly in line with cultural ratcheting. Tight societies are societies in which the behavior of its members is very predictable for other members, which is useful when society is under threat (the imitation part). In loose societies, however, people are more free to pursue their individuals needs and wants, which therefore exploits diversity and is thus instrumental to innovation.
The poem begins with a soft, awakening voice that represents self-reflection and the stirring of deeper thoughts. The phrase "whispers soft" suggests an initiation of awareness, while "conscience shakes" indicates a conflict brewing beneath the surface. This stanza lays the groundwork for an exploration of identity and truth, with the imagery of past experiences now coming to light.
Stanza 2:
In this stanza, the continuation of the atmosphere of secrecy and revelation is captured. Shadows symbolize hidden truths and experiences that have been repressed. The metaphor of a "crisis brews like storms at sea" portrays the intensity of emerging truths that disrupt the calm surface of life, setting the stage for a transformative realization or awakening.
Stanza 3:
Here, the speaker acknowledges the pain of loss and the cost of discovery. This stanza reflects on the struggles that accompany profound change. The analogy of a "fire ignites" illustrates the transformative power of turmoil, suggesting that from the ashes of loss, new strength and passion arise—an idea central to the theme of resilience.
Stanza 4:
In this stanza, the emphasis shifts to perseverance in the face of doubt and fear. The speaker asserts their strength and uniqueness, rejecting limitations imposed by others. The imagery of a "dynamite heart" encapsulates this fierce determination, suggesting that true power lies in embracing one's authentic self and pushing boundaries.
Stanza 5:
The theme of legacy is introduced as the speaker contemplates their future impact. The notion of a name "soaring" symbolizes aspirations that transcend obstacles. This stanza highlights the importance of personal transformation and the emergence of inner truths against the backdrop of chaos. The idea of burdens transforming into guiding stars encapsulates hope and aspiration.
Stanza 6:
The journey of self-discovery is depicted as a challenging yet essential path. The metaphor of a "twisted maze" underscores the complexity of personal growth, while the reference to "history mark" suggests that trials and tribulations shape not just the individual but also their legacy. The "spark" in struggle points to the ignition of creativity and insight found in hardship.
Stanza 7:
In the closing stanza, a powerful assertion is made about claiming one's identity and strength. The imagery of thunder resonating with heartbeats is indicative of a unified experience between nature and personal rhythm, amplifying the message of resilience. The "symphony of thought and ink" ultimately signifies that the experiences and expressions of the self become part of a larger narrative, resonating with both personal and universal significance.
Thank you for the well-written, informative, and thought-provoking post, Brett.
Great piece Brett!
I have, based on your recommendation, read John Richardson's Nietzsche's Values and I truly enjoyed it. It is pretty accessible but still enormously rich in detail, and -I agree with you- Nietzsche got a lot of things right. I was wondering whether you can recommend any other book on Nietzsche or Jung that are similar to the one I just mentioned?
Secondly, I am truly fascinated by the opponent processing that is already present in Nietzsche's thinking between, on the one hand, the agential values imposed on us by society, and -on the other- our own intrinsic values, which sometimes leads to conflicts but Nietzsche wants to align.
It reminded me of a talk that David Sloan Wilson once gave at my school here in Norway, in which he mentioned the opponent processing going on in populations of water striders. At the level of the organism, aggressive males are more successful because they get access to more mates. At the population level, however, there is selection for harmony because these groups will be more successful than others (please check the paper here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2962763/). In one of your previous posts, you mention exactly this mechanism as a driver towards more complexity. Nietzsche furthermore also holds the position that within us the drives may have conflicting goals, hence opponent processing again.
Thanks! Nietzsche's recognition of the eternal conflict between individual and group is fascinating and is something I'll have a whole article about in this series. Jordan Peterson, too, spent a lot of time on that conflict in Maps of Meaning. I'll check out the Wilson paper, thanks for sharing.
I would like to add one more thing, Brett. Michele Gelfand has done work on tight and loose societies. Her argument is exactly in line with cultural ratcheting. Tight societies are societies in which the behavior of its members is very predictable for other members, which is useful when society is under threat (the imitation part). In loose societies, however, people are more free to pursue their individuals needs and wants, which therefore exploits diversity and is thus instrumental to innovation.
Title: The Echo of Dynamite
Yvon Roustan ©
In whispers soft, a voice awakes,
Beneath the surface, conscience shakes.
The echoes of a past collide,
With truths once veiled, now cast aside.
When shadows linger, secrets grow,
In chambers where the spirits flow.
A crisis brews like storms at sea,
Awakening the soul’s decree.
I feel the weight of all that’s lost,
A monumental, bitter cost.
Yet in the depths, a fire ignites,
A force of change that fuels the nights.
For every doubt that weighs me down,
I rise anew from fear’s cold crown.
Unseen by many, yet felt by few,
A dynamite heart that breaks right through.
I know my fate, a name will soar,
As echoes fade, I yearn for more.
The burdens borne, now stars align,
In chaos found, my truths will shine.
Let history mark the trails I blaze,
Through tangled paths and twisted maze.
For in the struggle lies the spark,
An inner flame against the dark.
I claim the power, bold and bright,
To stand amidst the endless night.
As thunder rumbles, heartbeats sync,
A symphony of thought and ink.
*************^******************
Explanation:
**Stanza 1:**
The poem begins with a soft, awakening voice that represents self-reflection and the stirring of deeper thoughts. The phrase "whispers soft" suggests an initiation of awareness, while "conscience shakes" indicates a conflict brewing beneath the surface. This stanza lays the groundwork for an exploration of identity and truth, with the imagery of past experiences now coming to light.
Stanza 2:
In this stanza, the continuation of the atmosphere of secrecy and revelation is captured. Shadows symbolize hidden truths and experiences that have been repressed. The metaphor of a "crisis brews like storms at sea" portrays the intensity of emerging truths that disrupt the calm surface of life, setting the stage for a transformative realization or awakening.
Stanza 3:
Here, the speaker acknowledges the pain of loss and the cost of discovery. This stanza reflects on the struggles that accompany profound change. The analogy of a "fire ignites" illustrates the transformative power of turmoil, suggesting that from the ashes of loss, new strength and passion arise—an idea central to the theme of resilience.
Stanza 4:
In this stanza, the emphasis shifts to perseverance in the face of doubt and fear. The speaker asserts their strength and uniqueness, rejecting limitations imposed by others. The imagery of a "dynamite heart" encapsulates this fierce determination, suggesting that true power lies in embracing one's authentic self and pushing boundaries.
Stanza 5:
The theme of legacy is introduced as the speaker contemplates their future impact. The notion of a name "soaring" symbolizes aspirations that transcend obstacles. This stanza highlights the importance of personal transformation and the emergence of inner truths against the backdrop of chaos. The idea of burdens transforming into guiding stars encapsulates hope and aspiration.
Stanza 6:
The journey of self-discovery is depicted as a challenging yet essential path. The metaphor of a "twisted maze" underscores the complexity of personal growth, while the reference to "history mark" suggests that trials and tribulations shape not just the individual but also their legacy. The "spark" in struggle points to the ignition of creativity and insight found in hardship.
Stanza 7:
In the closing stanza, a powerful assertion is made about claiming one's identity and strength. The imagery of thunder resonating with heartbeats is indicative of a unified experience between nature and personal rhythm, amplifying the message of resilience. The "symphony of thought and ink" ultimately signifies that the experiences and expressions of the self become part of a larger narrative, resonating with both personal and universal significance.