The break of the ascetic ideal and the search for meaning in existence as an axis of the Genealogy of Morals

Abstract

This article assumes that meaning of life analysis is fundamental in Nietzschean philosophy. The argument is based on the study of the On the Genealogy of Morality, particularly in third essay examination of the book, but noting that the first two essays build the bases that will allow Nietzsche's emphasis on the meaning of life. Our reflexive follows Nietzsch philosopher line, like him departing from the ascetic ideals and focusing artists, philosophers, priests and scientists behaviors. He arrives at the concept of nihilism, which denotes the human despair, by not finding an answer to apparent life purpose lack. In nihilism the will to truth comes up against emptiness, leading Nietzsche to verify the motivation for the existence of the ascetic ideal. The reason is in the distance that this ideal promotes from the existential vacum, which, for the philosopher, in our perception, represents the fundamental human fear.