Let’s start by saying that Nietzsche is not a systematic thinker. Therefore, throughout his works, he never offers a clear, explicit explanation of his concept of greatness. Likewise, he never lists all the characteristics of what it means to be a great individual in one place.
However, if we pay close attention and take a look at all of his works as a whole, we can find virtues that appear in Nietzsche’s writing as characteristic of the great individual.
Another important note before we start is that Nietzsche’s great individual is not necessarily a "good" or "moral" individual. At least not in the sense we use those words today. But does that mean that Nietzsche’s great individual is a sociopath who is only looking to overpower others and take advantage of them? Absolutely not.
In any case, take a look at these characteristics for yourself and think about whether Nietzsche was correct in praising them.
Independence and Solitude
In Beyond Good and Evil, Nietzsche says that
"…the concept of greatness entails being noble, wanting to be by oneself, being able to be different, standing alone and having to live independently."
The great individual, according to him, is someone who is
"always in his own company, whether he associates with books, human beings, or landscapes"(Ecce Homo)
It is important to note that this characteristic is not only a sign of greatness; it is also what enables one to become great. By being independent to the point of solitude, one cannot be influenced by "the herd." One is also free from distractions, which allows one to pursue greater goals and projects.
Focus
It should come as no surprise that one of Nietzsche’s examples of a great individual is Nietzsche himself. Apparently, modesty is not a sign of greatness. But what is a sign of greatness is single-minded focus on one’s goal or calling.
Describing himself, in the Gay Science Nietzsche says that he is
"well disposed toward moralities which goad me to do something and to do it again, from morning till evening, and then to dream of it at night, and to think of nothing except doing this well, as well as I alone can do it."
The ability and willingness to inflict suffering
"Who will attain anything great if he does not find in himself the strength and the will to inflict great suffering?" (The Gay Science)
This one could understandably disturb people, especially those who are under the influence of the unjust misinterpretation of Nietzsche that tries to link him with the Nazis. But let’s see why the ability and willingness to inflict great suffering don’t necessarily make one a monster.
Being able to suffer is one thing, Nietzsche says.
"But not to perish of internal distress and uncertainty when one inflicts great suffering and hears the cry of this suffering—that is great, that belongs to greatness" (The Gay Science)
We can see from this quote that the great individual does not enjoy making other people suffer. This eliminates one significant part of the childish criticism that proposes that Nietzsche’s great individual (and Nietzsche himself) is some kind of sociopath for whom the suffering of others is an end in itself.
Nietzschean greatness consists of "not perishing of internal distress and uncertainty" when the individual realizes that they are making others suffer. This means that the great individual not only doesn’t enjoy the suffering of others, but also suffers at the sight of the suffering they have caused. And their greatness is in being able to withstand this kind of suffering, a kind of suffering that we rarely think about.
If the individual enjoyed or wasn’t affected by the suffering they inflicted on others, there would be no Nietzschean greatness in them.
To read my in-depth take on this aspect of Nietzschean greatness and a real-world example of it, read my essay on the Modern Example of Nietzsche's Great Individual.
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