Transcendence and Reconstruction: A Philosophical Dialogue between Nietzsche’s “Übermensch” Theory and Modern Individualism

Abstract

In contemporary society, individualism has gained significant momentum. While individuals pursue self-uniqueness and independence, they simultaneously find themselves deeply mired in the predicament of spiritual nihilism. In the pursuit of personal interests and selfactualization, people frequently encounter challenges of value disorientation and a loss of meaning. Looking back historically, Nietzsche’s era
similarly faced the collapse of traditional value systems. His philosophy, emphasizing "self-overcoming" (Selbstüberwindung), constituted a
profound reflection on the spiritual crisis of his time, offering valuable insights for examining current social phenomena. This paper focuses
on exploring the philosophical dialogue between Nietzsche’s "Übermensch" theory and modern individualism through the lens of self-overcoming, revaluation of values (Umwertung aller Werte), and affirmation of life (Lebensbejahung) within the Übermensch concept. It analyzes
the convergences and divergences between the two on key issues such as "individual freedom" and "self-creation," reveals the critical insights
Nietzsche’s philosophy offers for the dilemmas of contemporary individualism, and explores possible pathways to transcend modern individualism, thereby seeking spiritual guidance for individuals navigating the complexities of modern society.