I know I previously had the idea of writing on Nitzsche’s Nihilism, Will-to-Power and Ressentiment, but, after reading the second essay in his Genealogy of Morals, I might instead examine Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of bad conscience with a specific focus on how the internalisation of societal norms and moral judgments leads to the suppression of instinctual drives and impedes authentic self-expression. I think it’ll be interesting to study and learn more about Nietzsche's concept of bad conscience, especially within the more expansive context of existential philosophy, moral metaethics, and psychology. I believe understanding Nietzsche's bad conscience is vital in the modern day as it provides perspicuity into the challenges and issues individuals face in navigating society, living up to its expectations, and nurturing authentic self-expression. In today's globally connected world, where social media and digital technologies maintain a significant influence on moral consciousness, Nietzsche's ideas offer a sobering standpoint on the tension between conformity and individualism, guiding us in personal autonomy and ethical decision-making in the context of complex societal pressures. (I’ve also recently read Kierkegaard’s The Present Age, where he discusses the implications of modern-day media and publicity, and I might write a paragraph relating his philosophy to Nietzsche’s. TBD).
It could also be interesting to discuss Schopenhauer's philosophical insights from On the Sufferings of the World, in which I could deepen the understanding of the existential and philosophical perspectives ingrained in Nietzsche's criticism of morality. The topic this discussion encourages is important as it delves into rudimentary aspects of human nature, morality, and personal development. Understanding Nietzsche's notion of the bad conscience and its effect on individualism, independence, and self-reliance has unique implications for modern moral discourse. Moreover, by integrating Schopenhauer's perspective on suffering, I hope to explain the possible underpinnings of moral consciousness and shed light on the challenges individuals face in navigating societal expectations. By examining the confluence between Nietzsche's and Schopenhauer's ideas, I aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities of moral consciousness and the challenges of authentic self-expression in modern society. I look forward to this weekend when I will sit down, and produce a detailed outline on which I will base the majority of my writing off.