Shadow Pulse 9

 Is diffidence next to godliness? What does the phrase to be a god among men even mean? Is it having power and authority over other people? Does it entail being wise and knowledgeable? If so, can a god among men be kind and compassionate? But what if we got the job description all wrong? What if allowing yourself to be degraded, robbed, deceived, and exploited was the true indicator of the strength needed for this position? Friedrich Nietzsche in his book Beyond Good and Evil argues that the traditional concept of god is one of power and domination. In his writings, he theorizes that this concept is harmful and destructive. But is there another way to think about godliness? In Nietzsche's  (1886) writings, he suggests that we should think of godliness as a kind of diffidence and that the truly godly person is one who is not afraid to be vulnerable. They are the ones who are willing to allow themselves to be hurt because they know that they are ultimately indestructible. Nietzs...

  The Waiting Place   The waiting place is a metaphor for a state of limbo or uncertainty. It is a place where we feel stuck and unable to move forward. We may be waiting for something specific, such as a job offer, a medical diagnosis, or the birth of a child. Or, we may be waiting for something more general, such as a change in our circumstances or a sense of purpose in life. The waiting place can be a difficult place. It can be frustrating, lonely, and even depressing. We may feel like we are wasting our time or that we are not good enough to move on. However, the waiting place can also be a time of opportunity. It can be a time to reflect on our lives, to learn and grow, and to make changes that will help us move forward. Accept your situation. The first step is to accept that you are in the waiting place. This does not mean that you must like it, but it does mean that you must take it as your reality. Identify your goals. Once you have accepted your situation, you can ide...

  The Psychology of Dogmatism Dogmatism is the attitude of holding one's beliefs as true regardless of any evidence to the contrary. Dogmatic people are often unwilling to consider other viewpoints or to change their minds in light of new information. They may be intolerant of opposing views and may try to force their beliefs on others. Dogmatism is a complex phenomenon with a number of psychological underpinnings. Some of the key factors that contribute to dogmatism include: Need for certainty: Dogmatic people often have a strong need for certainty and predictability. They may be uncomfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, and they may be drawn to beliefs that offer a sense of order and control. Fear of change: Dogmatic people may fear change and uncertainty. They may believe that their beliefs are the only way to live a good life, and they may be reluctant to consider alternatives. Low self-esteem: Dogmatic people may have low self-esteem. They may believe that they are not sma...

  Nietzsche on Knowledge and Ignorance Nietzsche (1886) writes that we humans live in a simplified and falsified world and that we make everything around us seem clear, easy, and simple. To enjoy life we indulge in superficiality and our thoughts play wanton pranks. From this passage, Nietzsche (1886) believed that knowledge is built on the foundation of ignorance. We want to know things, but we also want to stay ignorant. We want to be free, thoughtless, and happy. Nietzsche argues that we need both knowledge and ignorance to live a full life. Language should not limit our thinking. Language often forces us to think in terms of opposites,when there are many gradations between them (Nietzsche 1886). Again, Nietzsche argues that morality can limit our thinking by telling us that we should be truthful and avoid making mistakes, but sometimes mistakes are necessary for us to enjoy life. Nietzsche's theories on knowledge and ignorance are very thought-provoking: His views force us to j...

 Our Virtues Nietzsche argues that we, the Europeans of the day after tomorrow, have our own virtues. These virtues are not the same as those of our grandfathers, who were more sincere and massive in their moral character. Our virtues are more complex and nuanced, reflecting our own unique values and experiences. Nietzsche believes that we should search for our own virtues in our own labyrinths. This means that we should not blindly follow the moral codes of our ancestors, but should instead create our own moral code based on our own needs and desires. Nietzsche also argues that we should believe in our own virtues. This means that we should be confident in our own moral compass, even if it differs from the moral compass of others. Nietzsche's views on virtue are controversial. Some people believe that he is advocating for a kind of moral relativism, where anything goes. Others believe that he is simply pointing out that there is no one right way to be moral, and that we should all...

 Socratism and the Morality of Plato Nietzsche (1886) writes that Plato's philosophy there was an element of morality that did not originate from himself. This element is the presence of Socratism which is the belief that all evil is done unwittingly. Plato did not believe that entirely. Socrtatism theorized that man is only evil because of ignorance, but if someone frees him of this ignorance he will not do evil. Nietzsche (1886) writes that this mode of reasoning is simplistic and appeals to the masses. He also states in his writing that any system of utilitarianism can be traced back to the theory that it is stupid to do wrong and that good is synonymous with "useful and pleasant" (Nietzsche 1886). Plato tried to interpret something refined and noble into the tenets of his teacher, but he was ultimately unsuccessful. He was too far removed from the common people to understand their way of thinking. As a result, his interpretation of Socrates was distorted and unrealist...

  Nietzsche and "Fasting" Nietzsche (1886) wrote that industrious races often find it difficult to be idle. He also mentions that the English made Sunday a day of rest to look forward to the work week ahead. Nietzsche saw this as a fast similar to those found in ancient cultures. He felt that a fast was defined as "powerful habits and influences were controlled through periods of restraint" (Nietzsche 1886). Nietzsche (1886) saw fasting as not being limited to food and that it also referred to abstaining from certain impulses or habits, which purified and sharpened them. Nietzsche also wrote that fasting had been practiced by religious and philosophical groups throughout history as a way to control impulses and purify the mind. He believed that fasting could help to reduce cravings and distractions, and provide an opportunity for introspection and reflection. He mentions the Stoics in ancient Greece who believed that the key to happiness was to live in accordance wi...