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Single Idea 24080

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / F. Existentialism / 1. Existentialism]

Full Idea

One thing is essential - 'giving style' to one's character. It is practised by the one who surveys everything that his nature offers in strengths and weaknesses, and subjects it to an artistic plan until each thing appears as art and reason.

Gist of Idea

We should give style to our character - by applying an artistic plan to its strengths and weaknesses

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (The Gay (Joyful) Science [1882], §290)

A Reaction

Clearly existentialist, in its proposal to change one's own character. I invite the reader to consider applying this to themselves - and I submit that it is an impossible project. Nice thought, though.

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Joyful Science, and 1881-82 fragments (v 6)', ed/tr. Del Caro,Adrian [Stanford 2023], p.170

Related Idea

Idea 7191 What does not kill us makes us stronger [Nietzsche]