Author(s)

Randall Firestone

El Camino College, Torrance, USA.

The paper first outlines the 10 primary attributes of the Ubermensch, Nie-tzsche’s ideal person, with numerous quotations. Those attributes are self-determination, creativity, becoming, overcoming, discontent, flexibility, self-mastery, self-confidence, cheerfulness, and courage. The paper then compares Nietzsche’s Ubermensch with Aristotle’s virtuous person. Nietzsche describes more of an attitude towards life and a process of living which are similar to a means as compared to Aristotle’s objective character traits which are goals or ends in themselves. The paper concludes that Nietzsche does a better job of describing the best human life—one that is dynamic, passionate, and unique; consisting of self-growth and creativity; and filled with new experiences, insights, and adventures.

Nietzsche, Ubermensch, Aristotle, Aristotle’s Virtuous Person, Best Life, The Good Life, Attributes of the Ubermensch, Nietzsche and Aristotle

Firestone, R. (2017) Nietzsche’s Best Life: The Ten Greatest Attributes of the Ubermensch, & a Comparison to Aristotle’s Virtuous Person. Open Journal of Philosophy, 7, 377-407. doi: 10.4236/ojpp.2017.73020.