And again. [12] Augustine of Hippo (354430 AD) objected to the fact that salvation was not possible in the Stoic scheme, arguing that even if a temporary happiness was attained, a soul could not be truly blessed if it was doomed to return again to misery. The first published presentation of Nietzsche's version of the theory appears in The Gay Science, section 341, where it is proposed to the reader as a thought experiment: What if some day or night a demon were to steal after you into your loneliest loneliness, and say to you, "This life as you now live it and have lived it, you will have to live once more and innumerable times more; and there will be nothing new in it, but every pain and every joy and every thought and sigh and everything unutterably small or great in your life will have to return to you, all in the same succession and sequence Would you not throw yourself down and gnash your teeth and curse the demon who spoke thus? Nietzsche sometimes writes of the eternal return as 1) a scientific theory, and sometimes as 2) a psychological "test". Eternal Recurrence is nonsense; it violates the most fundamental principle of them all: the infinity of variety equals the infinity of sameness, so even though nature repeats itself, never, ever exactly the same. Yet the primary concern of the Stoics, as of Nietzsche, was not with the scientific truth of the theory, but rather with how it might be helpful to people in living their lives. can use them for free to gain inspiration and new creative ideas for their writing assignments. But if someone were to believe the Pythagoreans that numerically the same things recur, then I also will romance, holding my staff, while you sit there, and everything else will be the same, and it is plausible to say that the time will be the same. As Hollingdale has noted, 'Nietzsche arrived at the theory of the Eternal Recurrence as a consequence of two requirements; the need to explain the world and the need to accept it'. Basically an unconscious eternity after a finite lifetime, whether the host(universe in this case) outlasts your consciousness or not. ( idea) by lemuru. [34] He subsequently explored the idea in his semi-autobiographical novel, Strange Life of Ivan Osokin. I'm basically probably stuck in a pointless clown world, slowly going insane and suffering in the middle of eternity with no way out. Save time and let our verified experts help you. database? Augustine denies that this has reference to the recurrence of specific people, objects, and events, instead interpreting the passage in a more general sense. Nietzsche was pretty invested in this question, which he called "Eternal Recurrence," or eternal return. ?>, Order original essay sample specially for your assignment needs, https://phdessay.com/eternal-recurrence-by-nietzsche/, Detailed Analysis on the Cinematography in the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Critique Essay, The True Eternal Love Is the Love of a Mother to Her Child, Paper on: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, get custom The term Eternal Recurrence was itself coined by Friedrich Nietzsche, who (while never suggesting this theory was true) adopted it as a thought experiment to test one's willpower. Eternal return (also known as eternal recurrence) is a theory that the universe and all existence and energy has been recurring, and will continue to recur, in a self-similar form an infinite number of times across infinite time or space.-----Interesting quote from the movie K-Pax. In support of his argument, he appeals to scriptural passages such as Romans 6:9, which affirms that Christ "being raised from the dead dieth no more".[13]. and our It was only when Friedrich Nietzsche reintroduce the thought the scholars began to evaluate its truthfulness or possibilities. Need urgent help with your paper? The fundamental idea of the work, the Eternal Recurrence, the highest formula of a Yes-saying to life that can ever be attained, was first conceived in the month of August 1881. [30] In one of his unpublished notes, Nietzsche writes: "The question which thou wilt have to answer before every deed that thou doest: 'is this such a deed as I am prepared to perform an incalculable number of times?' This is the problem of microscopic reversibility. The first was Josef Loschmidt's claim that entropy would be reduced if time were reversed. [25] The concept of eternal recurrence appears similar to Nietzsches concept of amor fati, which Nietzsche describes: "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. Privacy Policy. Lowith, Karl. harmony in order to life, Eternal Recurrence by Nietzsche. Type your requirements and I'll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes. The discovery of the laws of thermodynamics in the 19th century restarted the debate among scientists and philosophers about the ultimate fate of the universe, which brought in its train many questions about the nature of time. Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/eternal-recurrence-by-nietzsche/, Hire skilled expert and get original paper in 3+ hours, Run a free check or have your essay done for you, Didn`t find the right sample? According to historical records, the concept or idea of eternal recurrence originated from the ancient Egypt and was later on adapted by the Stoics and Pythagoras. The interpretation suggests that eternal recurrence is a conceptualization of intellectual and volitional processes. On March 31, 2017 By Gluteus Maximus In Spirituality. What is the eternal return theory? the theory of eternal recurrence could be true, I will assume that the cosmos consists of a single ''great year'' of events. It also implies human helplessness in preventing the repetition of loneliness, birth, and pain. The earliest version of the novel, however, did not include the magician,[35] and ended on "a totally pessimistic note". Eternal return ( also known as eternal recurrence) is a theory that the universe and all existence and energy has been recurring, and will continue to recur, in a self-similar form an infinite number of times across infinite time or space. [38], The Poincar recurrence theorem states that certain dynamical systems, such as particles of gas in a sealed container, will return infinitely often to a state arbitrarily close to their original state. The doctrine of eternal recurrence, the basic conception of Thus Spoke Zarathustra, asks the question How well disposed would a person have to become to himself and to life to crave nothing more fervently than the infinite repetition, without alteration, of each and every moment? Presumably most people. "[26][27], On the other hand, Nietzsche's posthumously published notebooks contain an attempt at a logical proof of eternal return, which is often adduced in support of the claim that Nietzsche believed in the theory as a real possibility. And Nietzsche, with his theory of eternal recurrence. The Eternal Cycle & Alternate Universes - The Meaning of Life (part 2) Summary: The end of the universe is the start of the universe. A fairly old idea put forth by a number of philosophies and religions that suggests that the contents of the universe undergo an endless series of cycles, and therefore the universe's state at any given moment will ultimately recur again. Eternal Recurrence: What Did Nietzsche Really Mean? When the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche referred to himself and the Anti-Christ, he was doing more than simply using a metaphor. In a way, eternal recurrence has some semblance or similarity with the idea of reincarnation (Lukacher). [28] However, scholars such as Neil Sinhababu and Kuong Un Teng have suggested that the reason this material remained unpublished was because Nietzsche himself was unconvinced that his argument would hold up to scrutiny. Corrections? it would also mean that me being dead in the future is equally real in the exact same way as me being alive right Now is real. This theme of eternal recurrence is echoed in Cameron Crowe's film Vanilla Sky. If no knowledge of the previous life is carried forward then there is . It hath been already of old time, which was before us." 48 Vitosha Boulevard, ground floor, 1000, Sofia, Bulgaria Bulgarian reg. To avoid supposing that Socrates will live again, they say that it will be some one indistinguishable from Socrates, who will marry some one indistinguishable from Xanthippe, and will be accused by men indistinguishable from Anytus and Meletus. Origen also records a heterodox version of the doctrine, noting that some Stoics suggest that "there is a slight and very minute difference between one period and the events in the period before it". In Ecce Homo, he states: "I now wish to relate the history of Zarathustra. So if this universe is closed, do not worry: is the best ballast. The magician obliges, but warns Ivan that he will be unable to correct any of his mistakes. "[24], Martin Heidegger points out that Nietzsche's first mention of eternal recurrence in The Gay Science presents this concept as a hypothetical question rather than postulating it as a fact. He had studied Pythagorean and Stoic philosophy,[20] was familiar with the works of contemporary philosophers such as Dhring and Vogt,[21] and may have encountered references to Blanqui in a book by Friedrich Albert Lange. Nietzsche's eternal recurrence is a response to the death of God, to which one must decide between the nihilism of the ascetic ideal, and the affirmation of life of the bermensch. Enrol here in our Nietzsche course: https://classical-philosophy-academy.teachable.com/p/thus-spoke-nietzsche What does Amor Fati really mean? Lol. Wei Wu Wei, of whom it's been said that his nonsense contains sense of the infinite, was of the opinion that as mythology is a system of symbology for fundamental truth, "reincarnation" is a myth within which is found the reality of "recurrence". By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Ouspensky incorporated this idea into his later writings. It also portrays the subconscious tiredness of the labyrinth of life and a desire for death or rather moving out from the chain of sufferings, which will bring an end to everything: "Bury your doubts and fall asleep" 2. If we really took eternal recurrence on board, would we be able to make any sense of life at all - would we have any values? He calls it the "fundamental conception" of Zarathustra, which he celebrates as "the highest book there is also the deepest, born out of the innermost wealth of truth" (EH III, Z 1; P 4).And he identifies himself in a special way with its teaching when summing up his . Eternal recurrence is the most significant and constant event of our lives. Duke University Press, 1998. The concept initially inherent in Indian philosophy was later found in ancient Egypt, and was subsequently taken up by the Pythagoreans and Stoics. In this writing, the protagonist Zarathustra discovers himself on a mountain and faces two opposite paths. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. I argue that if you think of how much forever is, any finite life, no matter how long, is almost nothing compared to eternity/infinite time. As Heidegger furthered, Nietzsche regarded the theory or the concept as merely a simple assumption just like how the Christian faith admits the idea of Hell and Angels. If one could say Yes to eternal recurrencethe endless repetition of life in the exact same wayone could genuinely say Yes to life as it is. The concept is found in Indian philosophy and in ancient Egypt and was subsequently taken up by the Pythagoreans and Stoics. He lays eternal recurrence out as a litmus test of sorts for the quality of our lives. These are my thoughts on this important issue. As he sees the gate, he concludes that it could be the case that everything that is happening in this world have already happened in the past, and is happening in the present time, and would eventually repeat to happen in the future since neither of the paths suggests a beginning nor an end (as both paths are eternal). Und Nietzsche mit seiner Theorie der ewigen Wiederkehr. Without a doubt, Nietzsche was one of the great thinkers of his time. In addition, many people criticise A theories, and it is rare to hear them advocated. According to Stoic physics, the universe is periodically destroyed in an immense conflagration (ekpyrosis), and then experiences a rebirth (palingenesis). ( Fingers Pointing Towards the Moon, London, Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1958) Zarathustra asks the dwarf if is it possible that someone has already passed the path yet continues to pass through path in unfathomable times. [6], Sources differ as to whether the Stoics believed that the contents of each new universe would be one and the same with those of the previous universe, or only so similar as to be indistinguishable. However, in reincarnation, it is not the matter that recurs but the only the soul. The universe repeats eternally until a specific change in human consciousness is made. If the Past, Present, and Future all exist in exactly the same way, then every single moment would be a 'Now' moment for me. Who can speak and say, See, this is new? It is more probable that Eternal Recurrence is true than it being false. The idea of the eternal recurrence of things and phenomena, the idea of eternal repetition, is connected in European thought with the name of Pythagoras and with the vague notions of the periodicity of the Universe which are found in Indian philosophy and cosmogony. The theory comes courtesy of philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who called his question one of "Eternal Recurrence." He first brought it up in his book " The Gay Science, " and returned to it (pun intended) in " Thus Spoke Zarathustra, " and it has always been an attempt to make sense of the meaning of life. Eternal Recurrence. I have been asked many times as to why, in my opinion, the Eternal Return Model as elucidated i n ITLAD has a greater evolutionary and developmental logic than the classic model of reincarnation. Eternal recurrence was a way to force attention on life exactly as it is, with no alternative, not even nothingness on the other side of life, not even eternal novelty. essay. The Eternal Recurrence of Crime and Control: Essays in Honour of Paul Rock Edited by David Downes, Dick Hobbs, and Tim Newburn Clarendon Studies in Criminology. Remorse. Not merely to bear what is necessary, still less conceal it [] but love it. Heidegger, Martin. Abide, moment!' "Eternal return (also known as "eternal recurrence") is a concept which posits that the universe has been recurring, and will continue to recur, in a self-similar form an infinite number of times. What is the eternal return theory? But it was clearly far more than that for Nietzsche, as I set forth in my book. The concept is found in Indian philosophy and in ancient Egypt and was subsequently taken up by the Pythagoreans and Stoics.With the decline of antiquity and the spread of . This doctrine must be distinguished from the belief in the general periodicity of nature, according to which the main features . Plato hypothesised that one complete cycle of time would be fulfilled when the sun, moon and planets all completed their various circuits and returned to their original positions. Probably the most common misconception is the notion that it is a nihilistic, dark philosophy with a. ETERNAL RETURN "Eternal return" is the doctrine that every event in the universe, in all its details and in its whole cosmic context, will recur an infinite number of times in exactly the same way that it has already occurred an infinite number of times in the past. According to this view, the existence of moral truths is dependent upon the existence of God, a point that . . Eternal return (German: Ewige Wiederkunft; also known as eternal recurrence) is a concept that the universe and all existence and energy has been recurring, and will continue to recur, in a self-similar form an infinite number of times across infinite time or space. Order custom essay Eternal Recurrence by Nietzsche Valid both as the playbook of Absolute Idealism and as a profound spiritual insight. What do you think? "The same" has many senses: the same in form seems to occur as do spring and winter and the other seasons and periods; similarly the same changes occur in form, for the sun performs its solstices and equinoxes and its other journeys. [10] This was probably not a widely-held belief, as it represents a denial of the deterministic viewpoint which stands at the heart of Stoic philosophy. cookie policy. Russian esotericist P. D. Ouspensky (18781947) believed in the literal truth of eternal recurrence. When Ouspensky asked about eternal recurrence, Gurdjieff told him:[37]. What is some day or night, a demon were to steal after you into your loneliest loneliness and say to you: "This life as you now live it and have lived it, you will have to live once more and innumerable times more; and there . Let us help you get a good grade on your paper. In this story, Ivan Osokin implores a magician to send him back to his childhood and give him the chance to live his life over again. Either you're not in control of yourself, in which case you may as well be watching a screen, or you can make different choices. On the other hand, Origen (c. 185 c. 253 AD) characterises the Stoics as claiming that the contents of each cycle will not be identical, but only indistinguishable:[9]. Tue Aug 22 2000 at 20:42:00. You might argue that the fact that we die debunks this, but of course it does not, as you never know if the is some kind of multiverse that might birth you, or any other consciousness generating/maintaining realities or loops. [1] Eudemus of Rhodes also references this Pythagorean doctrine in his commentary on Aristotle's Physics. Basically, Nietzsches idea of eternal recurrence is simply a hypothesis of what he introduced in his work. Earl Wajenberg Here I am going to try my best to express this disturbing insight that I thought up. Scholars Together with the dwarf they try to work out on the dilemma of the two opposite but eternal paths. HarperCollins, 1985. According to the qualities of eternity and. It suffices to project a light onto a black surface to convert it into heat. But it's Borges's closing argument, calling on the theory of entropy to demolish "eternal recurrence," which is most convincing, and simultaneously awesome: Heat and light are no more than forms of energy. Some demon . So that undermines eternal recurrence, because all outcomes and possibilities are real, in the larger space. However, in his idea, the only thing that recurs is the matter in such a way that entities return in their own bodies and not in other bodies as how the tradition of reincarnation suggests (Lowith). One might raise the problem whether the same time recurs, as some say, or not. Nietzsche says that one would require the most impassioned love of life: " to crave nothing more fervently than this ultimate eternal confirmation and seal." - The Gay Science, 341 What do you think of Nietzsche's theory of the eternal recurrence? The universe according to Nietzsche: Modern cosmology and the theory of eternal recurrence The philosopher's musings on the nature of reality could have scientific basis, according to a.
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eternal recurrence theory