Haha. Among the intelligentsia? It's easy to write her off as a walking cliche because she is a walking cliche. Okay, so maybe one or two of them talk about being individuals and taking risks, but they say these things through collagen-inflated lips growing like tumors from skin gone to leather from too many hours in the tanning bed. "Oh yes, I'm an individual! That's why I dyed and styled my hair to look like everyone else who has my accent and comes from my part of town." Talk is cheap. It's their actions that make them laughable.
She's still an individual. I'm not sure I understand the point in judging whoever that is by her appearance. You've made a hard determination and granted- I have no idea who that image is of. I just wonder what cosmetic surgery has to reveal about intelligence as opposed to individual choice and statements. Even a genius can be vain. Are you suggesting that making a hard determination judged by whether or not a person chooses to alter their appearance in some way is not a stereotype or jumping to conclusions?
In an office conflict, or a car parking lot conflict, or the other usual places where people get into conflict on a daily basis, who wins: a woman like that, or you?
This is why I object to shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "American Idol" being categorized as reality shows. They're talent contests! There's no reason to disparage the idea of watching or listening to talented people being coached and judged by professionals to determine which is worthy of being given an opportunity to become a professional him/herself. Next time they bring the "So You Think You Can Dance" champions on tour I'll buy a ticket. I've bought CD's by two of the "American Idol" top finishers, and I even went to see Chris Daughtry in concert. Even "Dancing with the Stars" features some very entertaining routines. The winners are extremely good dancers, even if they're not going to give up their day jobs to go on tour. I don't understand why these programs should be lumped in the same category as "Jersey Shore."
You really need to be careful using the term "intelligentsia". There are all kinds of minds. I have no idea who that is, so I'll go back to "Big Bother". I watched that for a season and revisit from time to time to see what is currently deemed popular. And there is the key. Most of the people on there, or on any reality show, are merely catering to popular opinion and presenting a characterture of themselves for some gain. And yes, I can see what you're alluding to in terms of the ubermensche in these cases but, personally, I disparage the attempt and have no time for it. sure, they can appeal to the majority and gain... something, from doing so... but I would not be able to. I can see what you're saying but I do not subscribe to it. If I could summarise, I'd compare the "modern" ubermensche to to someone who has inherited millions, as opposed to someone who has had to work for it. You can't simply adopt a philosophy. You have to understand it, first, or it has little worth. I'm not really sure how to go about explaining this, at this point in time. Obviously there afar better writers than myself who would be able to, and have done so, but frankly I haven't the motivation myself. Actually, there is a teen movie from the eighties... what was it... had Christian Slater in it. "all the great themes have been turned into theme parks", or something along those lines. ... "Pump Up the Volume". Took me a while to remember. One memorable quotation. And frankly, these days, I see little ubermenshes everywhere who have no real claim to being one. .
Sure, I am not disagreeing with you. But some people really are good at being "baffling bs artists" (as someone else here put it) and there is no denying that many people are affected by this. One really has to study how come confidence is such an impressive, powerful thing - even when the person is confident in total bs. Confidence is like the luster of a diamond - it easily makes one forget one is merely looking at carbon, that same stuff that even manure is made of.
Alright, upon further reflection; Is the "Ubermensche" someone who has influence over others and gains personally by means of such, or is he someone who does not need it? I've used the word "need" deliberately. as opposed to" want".
What constitutes victory? If a person, in order to feel superior, needs to constantly defeat othes, then this person simply needs others. And if victory is the kind of victory that gets won by employing strategies such as Schopenhauer's Art of being right - how much of a victory is that?
I don't believe I mentioned victory. Not everyone wins. I'm a total loser, speaking in terms of life achievements. Most people always will be. I understand the reference, reading the second line of your post, and in that regard you may have actually answered one aspect of it. But "Victory" is a potential outcome, not a catalyst.
Not "can be". Is. You've just encapsulated all of evolutionary theory. Particularly, and most importantly, the social. "Let it roll" is why we are where we are.
In order to be an Ubermensch, one needs to be victorious. The question is, victorious over whom, over what, in what circumstances, in what way.
Nature is a prime reason we are here, but what about Love? I think Love is the great guardian of the universe.
Wow. Just wow. Yeah, just think "God loves you. You are a wonderful person. Everything will be fine." No, it's not ok.
Do you really? That's nice. Got his number? Wouldn't mind having a chat. And, Gerard, the "purpose" of life is not to have it, live it, or whatever platitude you're going to come up with next. That may be what you choose to do with it, but it is not a "purpose" to anyone other than those who would make it such. To give life a Purpose implies a creator. Any purpose, not just that one.
The words of my post do not imply digging for purpose. A very similar saying "life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved."
His name is Love, call to him. Faith, and Respect to him. Love gives eternal meaning, but meaning comes from self, or growth as well. Oh, and you certainly do mean. Looking at you pessimist, and nihilist.
