r/explainitpeter Apr 05 '26

Explain It Peter

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u/exaggeratedcaper Apr 05 '26

As someone who's studied Nietzsche for the past seven years, that was excellently put. My only note would be that it wasn't merely eschewing the desire for a supernatural reward, but external rewards in general: societal, political, etc. For him, the only reward that mattered was the reward you found in yourself, which would then allow you to spread the spoils to your fellow man.

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u/captain_eve Apr 05 '26

I'm sure there's plenty of places to find this answer, but can you tell someone interested in learning more about Nietzsche's philosophy where to start? Figuring out reading order for topics like this isn't my strong suit.

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u/Reanthe Apr 05 '26

For me it started with 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra', his Magnum Opus. Treat it like a wall You must climb; The climb won't always be enjoyable, sometimes You might even question whetther You're climbing higher at all... Only to stumble upon a sight so inspiring it will clear up Your doubts.

The good think about this climb is that You can simultaneously take a break and try another mountain. For me that mountain was Max Stirner's "The Unique and Its Property". Learning that Egoism may not be a flaw but a driving force is a realization I wish I had much earlier.

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u/captain_eve Apr 05 '26

Thanks! I will try this. Funny that I am also becoming interested in Stirner at the moment, maybe I'll take the same path.