The Most Christmas-Appropriate Philosopher Was an Atheist

This week, billions of people will celebrate the birth of a man who died for their sins.

Christmas is about birth. About life beginning. So it’s the perfect time to ask two questions: are you actually living yours — and do you even know how you want to?

Ironically, we will start with a guy who declared the death of God…

In a classical, academic sense, Philosophy of Life refers to Nietzsche’s idea of rejecting the old ways of philosophy and religion that focused on the afterlife, rather than what’s happening during life.

That said, I also thought about how many people hate the term “philosophy”, and think of it as old dudes just sitting there and thinking nonsense rather than doing any work.

Affirming Life

As much as Nietzsche disliked Christianity, there’s no better time than now to talk about this part of his philosophy.

He blamed other thinkers (often rightfully so) for denying LIFE, instead of affirming it.

And while he’s often recognized as a philosopher of negativity by those who didn’t really read any of his works — he, in fact, had a very positive attitude towards life.

I will dive deeper into this in the future, but life-affirmation, will to power, love of fate and Übermensch are all very positive concepts.

Philosophy of YOUR life

On the other hand, I think of “Life Philosophy” as your way of life, your way to live.

First of all, I don’t think there’s a reason to completely deny philosophy as a field — it’s an incredibly interesting one.

But even if you hate it with all your heart, here’s the thing: you already have your own philosophy of life. You just might not have given it that name yet.

Don’t let the word scare you away from the concept.

All your principles, rules, beliefs, and even actions make your Life Philosophy.

I think it’s worth writing them down, just so you know what your philosophy is. It may give you a better feeling of your direction.

Having your principles in mind is one thing, and having them well structured on paper is another.

And who knows, maybe you will find that some of your rules are contradictory, or there’s room to evolve.

That’s your philosophy of life — with or without Nietzsche, and you already live according to it — whether you admit it or not.

Merry Christmas & keep winning,

Raf