Nietzsche Beyond Evil

In “Beyond Good and Evil”, Friedrich Nietzsche argues that “life is will to power” (p.68). In this paper, I will argue for this argument because I believe that people are controlled by elements of power exist in every aspect of life. The kind of power that is being referred in this paper is the capability, ability to direct or influence others. A general life cycle consists of three phases: going to school, getting a job and eventually death. We have been exposed to this kind of power since the day we were born. Our parents, our grandparents or the elders in general, have power over us. As kids, we followed their guidelines, their teachings and their commands because they have authority over us. Growing up a little bit more, we have the school system, in which we are to follow teachers’ orders and their knowledge. After we are done with school, we get jobs, in which we follow our supervisor’s commands, do what we are told to do. As
the old age knocking on the door, we are tend to be physically challenged, thus, we have to rely on our children to take care of us and follow their suggestions as well as opinions in order to live a longer life. By and large, we are to follow orders from the beginning of our consciousness. Some might argue that when we get to the top of the system, we are to follow nobody’s orders and thus, under no influence of power.
However, that is not the case because society is under the management of rules and regulations, we are just a composition of a large population and are always bond with responsibilities to follow the rules. Even one of the most powerful people in the world, the president of the United States, is still being held responsible with laws and orders. Others might say that living detached from the society will bring about freedom. I would argue that this is freedom from materialistic desires, not freedom from laws, orders nor nature. One can become one with nature by living in it but one is still being influential by the power of nature, as it is capable of bringing sickness and harm. Another argument to the mentioned topic is that by being a true children of God, one can be freed. This is not necessarily true. Aren’t all Christians, Catholics children of God? Hence, aren’t them living by the teachings of
God? All in all, in every aspect of life, a person is under the influence of power, no matter what identity that person holds, he or she is still being held accountable by a source of authority.