Although we read the excerpts from Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment a month ago, I thought this month’s blog topic should revolve around the analysis and critique of Nietzsche’s “Superman” theory.
The first element of his conjecture states: “The superman is often seen in the present as a criminal.” This concept is fairly prevalent in both Crime and Punishment, and moreover, in the media. The television series Dexter correlates with this idea. (Note: I have never watched this show, but have a general understanding of the basic storyline). In the show, Dexter (the superman) kills serial killers. Though this is seemingly a paradox, in the eyes of many viewers as well as in the context of the series, Dexter is still the protagonist. This is also displayed in the following lines from Crime and Punishment: “But the same masses set these criminals on a pedestal in the next generation and worship them (more or less). The first category is always the man of the present, the second the man of the future.” (Page 307).
Next, Nietzsche affirms that “The superman has the right to break laws.” In the case of Dexter, he is morally subjected to taking the lives of those who murder others. Because he is “getting rid of” the “bad guys”, it is acceptable according to society’s moral standards. However, if one were to look at it in the opposite spectrum, it is a contradictory act in the way that Dexter is attempting to decrease the crime/killing rate, when he is in fact increasing the fatalities. Nonetheless, he is still glorified for his “courageous acts”. Again, this proposal is referred on page 306 of Crime and Punishment: “…and so on were all without exception criminals, from the very fact that, making a new law, they transgressed the ancient one, handed down from their ancestors and held sacred by the people, and they did not stop short at bloodshed either, if that bloodshed often of innocent persons fighting bravely in defiance of ancient law were of use to their cause.”
Thirdly, “The superman is a benefactor of society.” Once more, this connects to Nietzsche’s second statement, but also interferes with the first concept. Dexter Morgan is viewed as the protagonist because he is eliminating the antagonists and “evil” of society. Then again, he is still technically a “criminal”. The quote aforementioned continues to state “the first preserve the world and people in it”.
Additionally, “The superman is focused on the future.” Dexter is internally looking out for the future of society; he is trying to protect the lives of the innocent from that of the wicked. He gives the public hope for both their well being and prospective outlook on life. Of as Dostoyevsky’s likes to put it, “…the second move the world and lead it to its goal.”
Lastly, Nietzsche states: “The superman may destroy what exists to create something better.” Clearly, Dexter has been approved by society’s ethical principles to defeat the malevolence living among them. He is permitted to kill and eradicate these criminals for the sake of creating a better, safer future for civilization. This idea is also suggested on page 307 of Crime and Punishment: “The second category all transgresses law; they are destroyers or disposed to destruction according to their capacities. The crimes of these men are of course relative and varied; for the most part they seek in very varied ways the destruction of the present for the sake of the better.”
All in all, Nietzsche and Dostoyevsky had similar outlooks on the characteristics of “The Superman”. Personally, I think Nietzsche’s analysis of the Superman is practical and full of pure genius. Though I disagree with the killing of others, when it comes to protecting society as a whole, I believe that the superman has the right to not be viewed as immoral. In other words, Nietzsche is brilliant!
Very good Jess
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