1001Philosophers

Buddha vs Friedrich Nietzsche

Buddha and Nietzsche are the two great philosophical diagnosticians of the human condition under conditions of suffering, but they reach almost opposite recommendations. Nietzsche read Buddhism as the most respectable form of the nihilism he wanted to overcome.

At a glance

BuddhaFriedrich Nietzsche
Datesc. 563 BC – c. 483 BC1844 – 1900
NationalityIndianGerman
EraAncientModern
Movements Buddhism, Indian Philosophy Existentialism, Continental Philosophy
Profile Buddha → Friedrich Nietzsche →

Where they agree

Both held that the inherited values of their respective civilizations are sustained by illusions about the self, suffering, and the world, both held that genuine philosophical insight requires letting go of these illusions, and both treated the diagnosis of human suffering as the necessary starting point of philosophical reflection.

Where they disagree

Buddha held that suffering arises from craving and attachment to a self that is finally illusory, and that the proper response is the eightfold path leading to liberation in nirvana — the cessation of craving and rebirth. Nietzsche read this as the most subtle and noble form of life-denial: a no-saying to the conditions of existence dressed up as wisdom. Nietzsche's response is the affirmation of life in all its conditions, including its suffering, and the cultivation of the higher type capable of saying yes to the eternal recurrence. Where Buddha extinguishes the self to escape suffering, Nietzsche affirms the self as it is shaped through suffering.

Representative quotes

Buddha

  • “There are these four ways of answering questions . Which four? There are questions that should be answered categorically [straightforwardly yes, no, this, that]. There are questions that should be answered with an analytical (qualified) answer [defining or redefining the terms]. There are questions that should be answered with a counter-question. There are questions that should be put aside . These are the four ways of answering questions.”

    As quoted in: Ṭhānissaro (Bhikkhu.) (2004) Handful of leaves. Vol. 3, p. 80

  • “As quoted in: Ṭhānissaro (Bhikkhu.) (2004) Handful of leaves. Vol. 3, p. 80”

    There are these four ways of answering questions . Which four? There are questions that should be answered categorically [straightforwardly yes, no, this, that]. There are questions that should be answered with an analytical (qualified) answer [defining or redefining the terms]. There are questions that should be answered with a counter-question. There are questions that should be put aside . Thes

  • “Gautama Buddha in Digha Nikaya as quoted in Avatars down the ages by Felicity Elliot”

    Now in those days, brethren, there shall arise in the world an Exalted One by name Maitreya (the Kindly One) an Arhat, a Fully Enlightened One, endowed with wisdom and righteousness, a Happy One, a World-knower, the Peerless Charioteer of men to be tamed, a teacher of the devas and mankind, an Exalted One, a Buddha like myself. He of His own abnormal powers shall realize and make known the world,

Friedrich Nietzsche

  • “Postcard to Franz Overbeck , Sils-Maria (30 July 1881), tr. Walter Kaufmann , The Portable Nietzsche (1954)”

    I am utterly amazed, utterly enchanted! I have a precursor , and what a precursor! I hardly knew Spinoza : that I should have turned to him just now , was inspired by "instinct." Not only is his overtendency like mine—namely to make all knowledge the most powerful affect — but in five main points of his doctrine I recognize myself; this most unusual and loneliest thinker is closest to me precisely

  • “Here the ways of men part: if you wish to strive for peace of soul and pleasure, then believe; if you wish to be a devotee of truth, then inquire.”

    Letter to Elisabeth Nietzsche, Bonn, 1865-06-11, [ specific citation needed ] quoted as epigraph in Walter Kaufmann, The Faith of a Heretic (1961)

  • “Letter to Elisabeth Nietzsche, Bonn, 1865-06-11, [ specific citation needed ] quoted as epigraph in Walter Kaufmann, The Faith of a Heretic (1961)”

    Here the ways of men part: if you wish to strive for peace of soul and pleasure, then believe; if you wish to be a devotee of truth, then inquire.

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