Should human beings be defined simply by their genetics or heritage? This is a question that pains many philosophers including Friedrich Nietzsche, who is the author of Ecce Homo. In his book Nietzsche goes through implicate measures to emphasize that human beings cannot merely be defined by their genetics or national origin. According to Nietzsche, it is how we live that characterizes us. In fact, there is a specific issue in his book that thoroughly discuss an issue that affect the way in which we live our lives as well as who we are.
Through Nietzsches description of this issue we are able to develop an insight into his true character and gain a deeper understanding of his beliefs. Resentment is a topic that Nietzsche addresses that explains his view on life and its issues rather well. He begins by discussing his view of himself. Over all Nietzsche seems to have a very positive view of himself and claims that throughout his life very few people have had a negative view towards him. Even the negative confrontations he had turned out to be positive in the end. He had the power to clam the roughest creature.
Overall, he seemed to be able to make the best out of his misfortunes. However, through his unfavorable experiences with others, Nietzsche developed a somewhat cynical view of his neighbor. He feels that every one has their own selfish motives. He does not treat these people any differently though. In fact he treats them with extra kindness. His theory is to replace the cruelness of others with the kindness from ones heart; dispatch a pot of jam to get rid of a sour affair (14). Nietzsche also says that silence is the worst form of anger or resentment.
Silence produces bad character and makes ones heart cold and full of cruelty. Anger should not be held inside, instead it should be taken out in a proper manner. Crudeness in taken for granted. To say what one means without holding anything back is the most humane form anger. One should not be afraid to say strongly what one believes. To stand up for ones self and act strongly is proof of good will. According to Nietzsche certain situations make to deep of an impact on us. We tend to take things too personally and lock incidents in our memory.
This is like a sickness which in turn forms a type of resentment. A way to cure this type of illness is through Russian fatalism (15). Russian fatalism is a form of passivity. In battle, when a Russian soldier could not withstand the pressures of war and survival, he would lower his metabolism and lay down until the overpowering force passed by. Russian fatalism is a form of survival which allows one to hold out against a difficult situation. If this survival mechanism was not used then one would be forced to react to an unendurable situation.
In theory … one would use oneself up too quickly if one reacted at all, one no longer reacts: this is the logic. And nothing burns up quicker than the affects of resentment (15). Russian fatalism can be used to overcome bad memories or incidences by simply just trying to forget about them or remaining passive towards them. Resentment is also the most common form of evil. A resentful man is a weak man. The only way to become a strong man once again according to Buddha is to over come this form of evil by freeing ones soul of whatever resentment one holds.
Resentment will only disappear through genuine kindness and friendship. According to Nietzsche, if one clearly understands his teachings for how to live ones life, one will attempt to get rid of all these bitter feelings of hatred and resentment. One will clear their mind and think in a more positive light. Nietzsche seems to have such a strong view on resentment because he has personal experiences with it. He has experienced resentment is both positive and negative aspects.
Through his experiences, Nietzsche has gained an insight of how to deal with people in ones everyday life. When Nietzsche spoke of Russian fatalism he backed it up with personal experience. Russian fatalism was a survival mechanism that he once used to overcome a difficult situation. There was a point in his life where he would dwell of horrible memories. These memories began to control his life until he realized that he could control his memories. It was at that point where he took control of his life. He took fate into his own hands and made control of his own destiny.
