Nietzsche’s concept of the “revaluation of all values” (Umwertung aller Werte) is a central theme in his philosophy. It refers to the process of questioning and ultimately overturning the traditional values and moral systems that have dominated Western culture, particularly those rooted in Christianity.
Key Aspects of the Revaluation:
Critique of Traditional Morality: Nietzsche believed that traditional values, especially Christian morals, were based on a “slave morality,” which prioritized qualities like humility, meekness, and self-denial. He argued that these values were born out of weakness and resentment (Ressentiment) by the oppressed, who turned their impotence into a virtue.
Master Morality vs. Slave Morality: Nietzsche contrasted “slave morality” with “master morality,” which he associated with the values of strength, power, pride, and nobility. Master morality arises from the strong and powerful, who define what is good based on their own experiences and virtues, rather than out of a reaction against others.
Overturning Values: The revaluation of all values is Nietzsche’s call to reject the life-denying values of traditional morality and embrace a new set of values that affirm life, creativity, and individualism. He envisioned a society where people would create their own values based on strength, vitality, and the will to power, rather than adhering to the imposed morals of the past.
The Übermensch (Overman/Superman): Central to Nietzsche’s idea of revaluation is the concept of the Übermensch, an individual who has transcended the conventional values of society and created new ones. The Übermensch embodies the life-affirming qualities Nietzsche championed, living creatively and authentically beyond good and evil.
Beyond Good and Evil: Nietzsche’s revaluation is also a move “beyond good and evil,” where the dichotomy of traditional moral judgments is abandoned. In this new framework, values are not universal but are instead subjective and created by individuals who are strong enough to live by their own rules.
Conclusion
Nietzsche’s revaluation of all values is a radical philosophical project that seeks to upend the moral and cultural foundations of Western society, replacing them with values that affirm life, individuality, and strength. This revaluation is not just about rejecting old values but about the active creation of new ones that reflect the true nature of human existence and potential.
There’s something about stepping onto the sidewalk, entering the urban arena, that fills me with a sense of purpose and excitement. The city streets are my playground, a place where I can fully embrace the lust for life and the battle within me.
The moment I hit the concrete, I feel a rush of energy—a pure bliss that comes from watching the flow of people, the movement of traffic, the wiggling of leaves in the breeze. The city excites me like nothing else. It’s a place where humans, designed as social creatures, truly thrive. Sure, nature brings peace and tranquility, but there’s something about urban life that makes us come alive, reaching the apex of civilization.
I love the interaction, the random conversations with security guards, the casual greetings to strangers. The streets fill me with an exuberant energy that I can’t get anywhere else. The concrete is more than just a surface to walk on; it’s the foundation of our urban existence, a stage for the dance of life.
The city is where I belong, where I feel most alive. The contrast between the chaotic energy of urban life and the peaceful retreat of nature is what makes life so rich.
Today, I’m reflecting on the idea that a life filled with vitality is the only life worth living. After fasting all day and following a strict carnivore diet for the past two years, I’ve experienced a profound clarity and vigor. This lifestyle, rooted in primal practices I encountered during my travels from Jerusalem to Jericho and in Zambia, emphasizes the importance of sacrifice, fasting, and communal feasting on meat.
The Story of Eid al-Adha in Jericho
While traveling the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, the lowest and oldest inhabited city in the world, I witnessed the celebration of Eid al-Adha. This biblical event, rooted in the Old Testament, revolves around the notion of sacrifice. During my time there, hundreds of sheep were slaughtered, filling the air with the stench of blood and the cries of sheep. The community fasted all day, and when the sun set, they gathered to feast on the meat. This communal sacrifice and fasting intrigued me deeply, teaching me the primal way of living that I’ve now adopted.
My Initiation into the Bemba Tribe
Another profound experience came during my time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia, Africa. When I arrived in my village to work with the Department of Fisheries on aquaculture projects, I was initiated as a surrogate member of the Bemba tribe. A goat was hung from a tree, and I was handed a knife to slaughter it. This ritual marked my initiation, and the meat from that goat sustained us for the next week. This experience reinforced the importance of communal feasting and the deep connection between sacrifice and vitality.
Escaping Modern Domestication
In contrast to these primal practices, modern urban life has domesticated us, much like zoo animals. We spend most of our time indoors, snacking on processed foods from vending machines and fast-food outlets. This lifestyle inevitably leads to a decline in our physiology, health, and vitality. We’ve become too comfortable, seeking pleasure without making meaningful sacrifices. However, through fasting, I’ve found a way to remain laser-focused, with sharp visual acuity and enhanced intuition, unclouded by the fog of constant digestion.
The Body as a Battery
Our bodies, much like batteries, are charged by the sun and fueled by the nutrients in meat. This connection between our diet, sunlight, and vitality leads to a more energized life, free from the decline brought on by modern eating habits. When we consume more cholesterol through red meat and expose ourselves to sunlight, our bodies synthesize vitamin D, boosting testosterone and overall vitality.
Simplifying Life for Greater Freedom
By simplifying our lives, getting enough rest, and aligning with our natural state, we can go through life with purpose, clarity, and vigor. Discipline and the elimination of unnecessary choices are key to finding this freedom. Rather than being overwhelmed by the abundance of options, we should focus on what truly matters—our health, vitality, and connection to the natural world.
Night by Edward Stauch, located in the Horticulture Center in Philadelphia. Here’s some information about it:
Location: The sculpture is situated in the Horticulture Center in Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, a prominent location known for its beautiful gardens and a variety of art installations.
Artistic Style and Theme: The Night sculpture by Edward Stauch is an evocative piece that continues his exploration of the themes of darkness and the nocturnal world. The sculpture likely embodies the tranquility and mystery associated with nighttime, similar to his other works. Stauch’s style often includes fluid lines and a serene, contemplative quality, which might also be reflected in this particular piece.
Material and Appearance: While specific details about the materials used for this sculpture are not widely documented, many of Stauch’s works were cast in bronze or sculpted in stone. The sculpture might feature a reclining figure, a common motif in Stauch’s work when depicting abstract concepts like night.
Significance: The presence of this sculpture in the Horticulture Center adds a layer of cultural and artistic value to the space, blending art with nature. It serves as a focal point within the gardens, inviting visitors to reflect on the natural cycles of day and night.
Night by Edward Stauch
The Horticulture Center in Philadelphia is a place where art and nature come together, making it a fitting home for a sculpture that contemplates the serene and introspective qualities of night.
The quote you’re referring to is from Friedrich Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra:
“One must still have chaos in oneself to give birth to a dancing star.”
This quote reflects Nietzsche’s philosophy on creativity, the self, and the transformative power of inner chaos. The “chaos” represents the inner turmoil, conflicts, and raw energy that reside within a person. It symbolizes the passionate and often tumultuous emotions or thoughts that can lead to significant creative or personal breakthroughs.
The “dancing star” is a metaphor for something beautiful, vibrant, and original that emerges from this inner chaos. Nietzsche suggests that it is precisely this inner disorder or conflict that fuels the creation of something extraordinary. The idea is that without experiencing and embracing the chaos within, one cannot achieve the kind of transformation that leads to the birth of a “dancing star”—a symbol of artistic or spiritual creation, brilliance, and individuality.
In essence, Nietzsche is highlighting the importance of embracing the complexities and struggles within oneself as a necessary process for achieving greatness, creativity, and self-realization. It encourages the idea that out of disorder and struggle, something profound and beautiful can emerge.
The only life worth living is a life full of vitality.
At the end of my day, after eating, the sun begins to set, and I can feel my body slowly shut down. For our bodies are like batteries, full of electric currents, firing throughout our body, giving energy to our brain, our heart, our muscles, and all of our vital organs. By leading a day full of power, standing upright, walking with a strong gait, embracing the elements, the sunlight, and chaos, I give the day all I’ve got. When it comes to vitality, we must consider sleep more critically and how we can maximize our energy by recharging our battery.
I wake up before the sun starts to show some light beyond the horizon. I enjoy slamming down espresso I pre-prepared the night before in the fridge so that I can drink it with speed, entering my Dionysian state of frenzy. I do some simple stretching, strap on my 40-pound plate carrier, throw on a pair of barefoot shoes, with a big hole in the bottom exposing one of my toes, and hit the nature trail along the Schuylkill River. I wake up with Spartan rigor and embrace the discipline of the early hours. These daily rituals enhance my lust for life itself, as I wake up, eager to practice my photography, throwing my camera in my front right pocket, and hitting the streets as early as possible. I’m just so eager and excited for the day, cheerful for the morning time, excited for the sun to rise, and find joy in the journey ahead each day.
Detach
Don’t be bound to anything.
In terms of photography, forget about the pictures, the results, and the outcome. Simply make photographs for the sake of making photographs, finding joy and meaning in the process. Use photography as a way for you to affirm life, giving meaning to the mundane.
Order and Chaos
In the context of everyday life, recognize the chaos within you and the world around you. While there is order and structure to the streets, because of the infrastructure, the grid system, the traffic signals, stop signs, and streetlights, the humans who dance upon the streets are full of chaos and unpredictability.
“One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
As a street photographer, we enter the unknown, embracing spontaneity, and put order to chaos, placing four corners around life, and saying yes, following our instinct, our gut. Perhaps it is our instinct that we ultimately must become more in tune with, as this is where our most vital and alive selves can be born, where our chaos is born, giving birth to that bright light within us.
Every morning, I march to the highest elevated place near me, behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art, standing on top of the cliff. I seek a high vantage point, somewhere to place my beacon down, like a lighthouse, shining in the darkness. I need to look out beyond the horizon, for it is my instinct to look out and gaze into the unknown. My gut tells me to stand at the precipice each day, to move onward into the unknown. When I look out at the horizon, I remind myself that I could live until I’m 120 years old and still not experience everything in this life. When I have a Panopticon view of my surroundings, have a view of 360° around me, I feel on top of the world, transcending beauty and experiencing the sublime.
Light and Shadow
As I gaze out towards the horizon, eager to see the sun pierce above, I’m reminded of light, and its impact on my life, as my medium of choice within the realm of photography. We must not forget that photography is merely drawing with light.
The word photography comes from the Greek words “phōs” (φῶς), meaning “light,” and “graphê” (γραφή), meaning “drawing” or “writing.”
By embracing black and white, light and shadow, we return to the essence of the medium, creating an instant sketch of light, an instant sketch of life.
The more I contemplate light, the more I realize why I hate the night. In the nighttime, there are no shadows cast. In the nighttime, there is no sunlight. In the nighttime, there is nothing but artificial light. Artificial light is not something that intrigues me; it’s boring, and I’d rather sleep, waking up the next day, eager to catch the rays of the sun instead.
When I think of light and shadow, I’m reminded of the allegory of the cave by Plato, and notions of self-perception. Like the prisoners shackled to the cave, viewing the shadows cast from the fire in the cave upon the wall, those shadows tell a story about the world around them, and are the only perception they have of reality. When I walk around the city, I find playful ways to photograph my shadow, I sometimes even wave at it, and question the nature of things, and what makes something true or false. When I consider photography, light, and shadow, perhaps there is no ultimate truth, when it comes to making a photograph. A photograph lies, a photograph is merely a reflection of our perception of reality, and not the true reality. But what is true reality? Is true reality another world, a heaven, a metaphysical area that we haven’t yet discovered? Maybe reality is within our bodies, our biology, our physiology, and the physical world itself. When I walk with my feet firmly on the ground, I’m reminded that I’m bound by gravity. We are people of this earth, and physics is real. Photography allows the individual to experience the surreal, and to create a new world, a new reality.
Become a God
God is dead and we’ve replaced him with bureaucracy.
The order and structure that bureaucracy provides a city is frankly amusing. We are born into this world, and immediately assigned a Social Security number. We go through the public school education system, trained to sit down, listen to a bell ring, obey, and take orders. Eventually, we go to the DMV, get a driver’s license, after waiting for our number to be called, to then have another number assigned to our license. When I enter the workforce, I’m given a payroll number, a bank account number, a debit card number, a phone number, and if I want to join a union, I’m just a number on a list. We were born slaves to a system that we involuntarily agreed upon. We’re dependent on the systems to provide us with our basic needs, such as food and shelter. The main problem with the system is that I believe we are currently facing a hamster wheel, where we are indebted to the systems, just getting by, providing us with the right amount of money in a bank account to provide us with food and shelter, just enough to keep us treading above water. Because of this, the individual within the system has no time, quite literally time itself, to even think for themselves, do things for themselves, ask questions about the universe, the world, life, and make deeper relationships, founded upon common beliefs of spirituality that give life a deeper meaning. Our new spirituality has become this consumer culture that we’ve all adopted, replacing these deeper questions with the pursuit of power, pleasure, and material goods. We chase social status, instead of making an effort to go deeper within our personal and immediate communities. We have become atomized, scattered, spread out from each other, and no longer are one tribe. Think of the modern workplace, how we are confined to an office building, a cubicle, boxing ourselves in upon boxes and boxes, caged like zoo animals. We are living in a post-noble world, a slave world, and have been trained since a young age to be the perfect candidate for this slave factory.
Let’s rise above these modern spaces, these artificial environments that atomize us, that separate us, and become our own God.
Our Body is the Vehicle
Let’s return to the basics, to the foundation of what makes us human. We have two legs, stand upright, with a tall spine, and a head that sits on top, providing us with the ability to look at our surroundings, with our clear vision, our eyes, and our intuition that alerts us of danger, or any potential predators that come our way.
Our body is the vehicle, and we are driven through curiosity and courage.
In this modern world, our cars are the vehicle, and we spend most days sitting on our butts, being driven around by a big metal chariot like a toddler in a baby stroller, pacified.
By recognizing the connection between your mind and your body, and the body as the ultimate vehicle, we can return to nature. We must align with the highest version of ourselves, by practicing daily physical exertion, by making an effort to use our bodies. With the pursuit of pleasure, comfort, and power, comes the decline of the physical form, the human body. By sitting down each day, taking orders, and staying in that cubicle in the workplace, we are denying our true and authentic selves from coming out of us. Let’s return to nature, through physical exercise, and make an effort, each and every day, to stand upright, and use our vehicles.
When I’m full of power and energy, you cannot get me to sit still. You cannot tell me to do this or do that, if it requires me toiling at a computer like a monkey. My theory about the city is that nothing is really happening, that we are merely here as players, actors, pretending, making this game so boring, so tedious, so degrading and dehumanizing, to the point where we are becoming actual robots in the flesh. But let us return to flesh, as the ultimate technology, aligning with nature, and what it means to truly be human, to play a vital role within this cosmic drama.
When the individual returns to nature, we recognize our role within the animal kingdom. For the human being is the apex predator, not the lion, not the bear, for those animals have no conscience, no wit, no ingenuity. But the human being, with our hands, and our opposable thumbs, have been given the ability to craft tools, to make arrows, to craft guns and bullets, to hunt prey, to kill animals, and to feast on the flesh.
Feast on the Flesh
I will never forget when I arrived at my village in Zambia, Africa, as a Peace Corps volunteer, presented with a goat, hanging from a tree, and a knife to slaughter it. For the next week, we feasted together, my initiation as a surrogate member of the Bemba tribe. During my time spent in Jericho, during Eid al-Adha, the day of sacrifice, hundreds of sheep were slaughtered throughout the streets, and the community fasted all throughout the day, waiting for the evening, the sun to set, to feast as a community.
These experiences remind me of the importance of fasting, sacrifice, and eating real animal-based protein. My new idea is that the only real food is flesh. We must eat the flesh of animals, fueling our physical bodies with the energy it needs to sustain us throughout the day. When I eat meat, I am no longer dependent on food throughout the day; I no longer have cravings or an insatiable appetite. I am fully satiated, full of vigor, power, and can move onward each day with strength and vigor without the need of snacking like a squirrel or a zoo animal in a cage, waddling to a vending machine within an artificial space to purchase a granola bar or a soda pop.
Be a Fool
I may be right, or I may be wrong, but who cares. I am a fool, I am an amateur, and I know nothing. I am merely a vessel, a vehicle, moving through this world, open and eager to learn each day. Through the medium of photography, I embrace the spirit of play, treating the world around me as a playground or canvas.
I don’t take myself so seriously, and find this to be the best place to be, as I can endlessly evolve, through the process of photography, getting closer and closer to life itself. By remaining in this amateur mindset, that of a fool, I experiment endlessly, with the ability to find meaning in the mundane. By photographing with a snapshot approach, letting my instincts carry me, I return to that childlike spirit of play that carries me throughout the day.
No Destination
I have no destination in mind. There is no goal. There is only process.
There is only walking, thinking, photographing, asking questions, and then doing it again. I never had a goal. I never really cared. I only enjoy making the work, moving onward endlessly. I don’t want to stop. I have no plan.
Wander
I don’t need to go anywhere new, for I can dive inside my mind.
There are endless streets to wander in this city, so don’t get left behind.
Find yourself in a curious state, a childlike state of mind.
Don’t be afraid to enter chaos, and step out of line.
The song “Balance” by Future Islands is about finding equilibrium in life amidst challenges and uncertainties. The lyrics reflect a sense of striving to maintain inner peace and stability, despite the ups and downs one faces. The song suggests that life is full of changes and struggles, but it is crucial to stay centered and balanced. It encourages the listener to keep moving forward, to adapt, and to find a sense of harmony within themselves regardless of the external circumstances. The upbeat tempo of the song contrasts with the reflective nature of the lyrics, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of life’s difficulties.
Sure! Here’s a simplified summary with bullet points and headings:
Key Points from “We Are the Extraordinary”
Reject Mediocrity: Modern society promotes conformity and comfort, but this leads to mediocrity. Strive for greatness instead.
Natural vs. Artificial: Avoid artificial environments, foods, and routines. These contribute to a decline in physical and mental vitality.
Embrace Nature: Connect with nature to rejuvenate your mind and body. Simple acts like walking in nature can transcend the monotony of modern life.
Street Photography as Conquest: Approach street photography with courage and audacity. It’s not just about taking photos; it’s about conquering your fears and the world around you.
Master Yourself: Strengthen your body and mind through discipline. Daily physical training can lead to equanimity and resilience.
Value Truth Over Comfort: Speak the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable. Modern kindness often masks the truth, leading to a decline in personal and societal standards.
Overcome Boredom: Use boredom as an opportunity for self-reflection and creativity. Cultivate curiosity to continuously grow.
Victory or Nothing: Adopt a mindset of conquering challenges. Aim for excellence in all that you do, whether in art, work, or personal life.
This summary captures the main ideas and themes of your essay in a straightforward way.
Goethe’s Theory of Colors (Zur Farbenlehre), published in 1810, is one of his most intriguing works, showcasing his unique approach to science and his deep engagement with the phenomenon of color. Unlike Isaac Newton’s more mechanistic and mathematical Opticks, Goethe’s work on color is deeply rooted in human perception and the qualitative experience of color.
Key Aspects of Goethe’s Theory of Colors:
Perceptual Basis: Goethe’s theory emphasizes the subjective experience of color, focusing on how colors are perceived by the human eye. He believed that color arises from the interaction between light and darkness, rather than just being a property of light itself. This approach contrasts with Newton’s, which was based on the idea that colors are components of light that can be separated through a prism.
The Role of Light and Darkness: Goethe argued that color is the result of the interplay between light and darkness. He proposed that different colors emerge as light passes through or interacts with various media, encountering darkness or obstacles. For example, he suggested that yellow arises when light is seen through a medium that slightly darkens it, while blue appears when darkness is seen through a lightening medium.
Color Wheel and Complementary Colors: Goethe introduced a color wheel that includes primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) and their complementary pairs. He noted that complementary colors—such as red and green, blue and orange—appear most striking when placed next to each other and that these pairs play a significant role in the harmony of color perception.
Psychological and Symbolic Aspects of Color: Goethe also explored the psychological effects of colors, attributing different emotional and symbolic meanings to them. For instance, he associated yellow with warmth and cheerfulness, while blue was linked to coldness and tranquility. He believed that colors could evoke specific moods and
