Will to Power
Nietzsche's concept of the fundamental drive toward growth, overcoming, and self-mastery.
Also known as: Wille zur Macht, Self-overcoming, Creative power
Category: Concepts
Tags: philosophies, nietzsche, wisdom, power, self-mastery
Explanation
The Will to Power (Wille zur Macht) is Nietzsche's concept of the fundamental driving force of life - not power over others but power over oneself, growth, self-overcoming, and creative expression. The concept holds that: all life seeks to grow and express itself, self-mastery is higher than mastery of others, and creative expression is the highest form of power. Will to power manifests in: artists creating new forms, thinkers questioning assumptions, and individuals overcoming their limitations. It's misunderstood when seen as: mere domination (it's primarily self-overcoming), aggressive force (it includes subtle creation), or political doctrine (it's about individual development). The will to power contrasts with: will to pleasure (shallow satisfaction), will to survival (mere continuation), and will to power-over (dominance). Authentic power means: creating rather than merely consuming, overcoming one's previous limitations, and expressing one's unique potential. For knowledge workers, will to power suggests: pursuing creative excellence, continuously overcoming limitations, and self-mastery as the highest achievement.
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