Nietzsche's Idea of the Overman and the Current State of Collective Consciousness

Abstract

Nietzsche’s idea of the overman has been interpreted in several ways and is often misunderstood. Observing people’s tendencies to act in specific ways along with the common forms of social organization and development provide us with a general overview of the collective consciousness, which suggests that many individuals are uncritical, conformist, and unhappy. The present work argues that the overman is a concept that aims toward the spiritual growth of the individual: overcoming the human means to reconcile with our true nature and achieve mastery of oneself. As an ideal, the overman has the potential to serve as a guide that helps the subject to better live their lives, regardless of its particular traits. If one succeeds in the task, the individual will empower him- or herself, and this leads to better societies eventually.