Superman
- PostEagle
- February 5, 2016
- Word Etymology
- 0 Comments
Today’s word etymology is SUPERMAN.
In 1903, George Bernard Shaw changed Nietzsche’s word IUBERMENSCH (over man, beyond man) to describe the ideal man evolving from the present type. Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher of the late 19th century who challenged the foundations of traditional morality and Christianity. He believed in life, creativity, health, and the realities of the world we live in, rather than those situated in a world beyond. Nietzsche has inspired leading figures in all types of cultural life, including dancers, poets, novelists, painters, psychologists, philosophers, sociologists and social revolutionaries.
Nietzsche’s Superman was a little different than today’s. His Superman, rather than battling aliens and saving the beautiful girl, battled against modern values and overcome the flaws of humanity. Nietzsche’s philosophy has been associated with everything ranging from Shaw’s comic book hero to socialism and fascism. Superman, according to Nietzsche, has reached a state of being where he is no longer affected by “pity, suffering, tolerance of the weak, the power of the soul over the body, the belief in an afterlife, the corruption of modern values”. Superman is constantly changing and in a state of rebirth and growth. He determines what is good and what is evil, not allowing religion or society to determine these things for him. These are Superman’s objectives and achievements.