Philosophy SAC – Dialogue
Plato and Nietzsche
Plato and Nietzsche are sitting in a park enjoying a light picnic lunch. All of a sudden a man dressed in black, wearing a balaclava run’s past and steals Nietzsche’s Turkey sandwich.
Nietzsche: This is preposterous! That immoral man has just stolen my last turkey sandwich! This is a horrible position to be in!
Plato: What do you mean Nietzsche? Are you saying that you are in a worse position than the thief that stole your sandwich?
Nietzsche: Yes that is exactly what I am saying. He isn’t the one who is going to starve to death now is he?
Plato: Oh Nietzsche don’t be silly, you’re looking at this in the wrong way. You see, it is you who is in the better position since it is more shameful to inflict wrong than to suffer wrong. Evil derives from wrongful actions, those which by nature involve shame and/or pain. And theft is a very shameful act is it not?
Nietzsche: Yes, being a thief is a very shameful way to live, as he is driven by his desires. He must have no self restraint what so ever. Without self restriction how could anyone lead a good life? For it is only through our will to power, strict obedience and restraint over a period of time can great thinking, art and virtue occur.
Plato: I agree. The discipline to act justly, control and order one’s body and mind, not need anything and to live virtuously is the only way for true self-fulfilment. Those who repetitively satisfy their desires do not posses real power over one’s self because this gratification further stimulates, rather than eliminates, ones craving for desire. A person who is always fulfilling desire is in continuous need for fu ...