"Bet your life on your ideals!" : Nietzsche

nietzsche

table of contents

• Walk Your Own Ideals, Not the State's!
• The Existence of the State and Its Underpinnings!
• Choices for One's Ideals!
• Examples of Pursuing Ideals!
• Walk Your Own Path!

Walk Your Own Ideals, Not the State's!

In modern society, it is common for individual ideals and values to conflict with the goals of the state.

The theme "Walk your own ideals, not the state’s!" prompts us to consider how we can maintain and pursue our beliefs in such situations.

While the state prioritizes its own existence, individuals must seek the value of their own lives, which necessitates an awareness of this fact.

The Existence of the State and Its Underpinnings!

Generally, the state aims to maintain and ensure its own existence. This perspective often leads to the justification of inhumane and unethical actions in the name of national interest.

The countless wars and human rights violations we have witnessed throughout history are some of the means employed by states to ensure their survival.

Understanding this allows us to recognize that the goal of state existence often hides the self-interests of those in power.

For instance, environmental destruction can be justified under the pretext that a certain industry contributes to the national economy.

The power structure of the state ultimately transforms into a space where entities seeking to protect their own interests gather, desiring to maintain their power at the expense of the public.

In this regard, we must protect ourselves from abandoning our ideals for the sake of the state.

Choices for One's Ideals!

The state may convey unforgettable messages to us, but these are not always imbued with truth. To maintain and achieve our ideals, there is no need to succumb to the state.

When we face the conflict of "Should I endure this?", we are compelled to contemplate our decisions.

If we become intimidated and yield, we risk losing ourselves. For example, a small business owner may argue that the state claims his business contributes to the public good, but this often leads to a more destructive business model that threatens smaller enterprises.

In such cases, he should follow his own vision rather than the pretext of national interest. To uphold one’s beliefs, it is essential to make the right choices even in difficult situations, remembering that although there may be immediate sacrifices, greater happiness and fulfillment can be achieved.

Examples of Pursuing Ideals!

There are many examples around us of individuals acting to protect their ideals. Environmental activists may clash with state development plans, yet they continue their efforts to uphold their beliefs.

Such individual choices can ultimately bring about positive changes in society, allowing them to realize their ideals and values.

As the saying goes, "God created humans to realize their ideals," we can also choose to forsake the state in pursuit of our own ideals.

Moreover, there are many instances where individuals have sacrificed their lives for the public good. Numerous social activists have fought against unjust systems, and their efforts have laid the foundation for social change.

These individuals have endured personal sacrifices for what they believe in, but their legacies are never in vain. The changes initiated by individuals can become the driving force that transforms state systems.

Walk Your Own Path!

Ultimately, we must not forget that following our own ideals rather than the state’s is the path to living a more fulfilling life. While the state may disregard individual values to exist, it is crucial for us to uphold our values and walk our own paths.

If each individual makes choices based on their beliefs, we should have faith that this will ultimately have a positive impact on society and the state.

In modern society, we must continuously strive to voice our opinions and find our true paths.

Through this process, we can discover the reasons for our existence beyond the maintenance of the state and design a valuable life that contributes to humanity.

We must remember the message, "Find your own ideals!" and refine ourselves in the pursuit of our existence's significance.