Amor Fati-
exploring an idea
“I want to learn more and more to see as beautiful what is necessary in things; then I shall be one of those who make things beautiful. Amor fati: let that be my love henceforth! I do not want to wage war against what is ugly. I do not want to accuse; I do not even want to accuse those who accuse. Looking away shall be my only negation. And all in all and on the whole: some day I wish to be only a Yes-sayer.” Nietzche from The Gay Science
I came across the concept of “amor fati” again in the epilogue of The Black Swan. It is a bold idea which means “to love fate” or “to love your own fate” and was coined by Nietzche. Only mentioned twice in all of his writings, it is highly problematic especially when it is construed as a helpless form of fatalism. However if we interpret it through these three premises, I think that it becomes an exhilarating and liberating approach. First fate can bring us good things. Embrace them and don’t be afraid to be happy. Second fate brings us difficulties that can be overcome. Overcome them.
Third fate will bring us intractable challenges that we must bear and hopefully through mental disciplne transform them into something good. Never take suffering lightly but why resist the inevitable? Amor fati!
“My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it—all idealism is mendaciousness in the face of what is necessary—but love it.”
Nietzche from Ecce Homo
