Nietzsche and Other Exponents of Individualism

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

48495

Title

Nietzsche and Other Exponents of Individualism

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Paul Carus offers a critical defense of objective philosophy against the rising tide of subjectivism and anti-scientific trends. This work examines Friedrich Nietzsche and Max Stirner as extreme individualists who championed the sovereignty of the self, contrasting their ego-centric ethics with Carus's own philosophy of truth and cosmic order.

Summary up to 500 words

In his 1914 treatise *Nietzsche and Other Exponents of Individualism*, Paul Carus investigates the philosophical movements of extreme individualism, focusing primarily on Friedrich Nietzsche and the often-overlooked Max Stirner. Carus establishes his own philosophical ideal: a synthesis of systematic knowledge, emotional attitude, and ethical conduct grounded in objective truth. He argues that while subjective sentiments and artistic expressions have a legitimate place, philosophy must remain a science of objective validity to guide human progress. Carus characterizes Nietzsche not as a traditional genius but as an eccentric, abnormal figure whose philosophy of the "overman" (Uebermensch) rejects morality, duty, and the rights of others in favor of absolute self-assertion. He critiques Nietzsche's disdain for science, his worship of tyranny, and his view of the masses as mere cattle. Carus contrasts this with the philosophy of Max Stirner, whose work *The Ego and His Own* preaches a similar sovereignty of the self but with a more consistent anarchist spirit. Carus notes that while Stirner and Nietzsche share the goal of individual liberation, their methods and ends differ significantly; Stirner seeks to unmake tyrants, whereas Nietzsche often glorifies them. Carus also recounts personal anecdotes, such as the friendship between Nietzsche and Paul Deussen, and addresses the controversy surrounding Nietzsche's mental collapse, suggesting it may have been a natural result of his philosophical strain rather than a mere accident. Throughout the book, Carus distinguishes between the "pragmatist" nature of the masses, who accept fiction and error, and the "scientific" few who must adhere to truth. He concludes that while subjectivism appeals to the emotions, it cannot replace the mariner's compass of science and objective philosophy, which are indispensable for lifting mankind to higher levels. The work serves as both a historical record of these radical thinkers and a polemic defending the necessity of reason and truth in an age increasingly dominated by sentiment and error.

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Categories

• Philosophy
• Biography