What’s “romanticism”

Nietzsche critique:

Friedrich Nietzsche’s critical stance on Romanticism, especially in his later works, is reflected in several of his quotes. While direct quotes explicitly criticizing Romanticism are less frequent, his writings offer insights that can be interpreted as critiques of Romantic values and ideals:

On the Idealization of Suffering (a Romantic Trait):

“There is nothing very odd about lambs disliking birds of prey, but this is no reason for holding it against large birds of prey that they snatch away small lambs.” – From “On the Genealogy of Morality”

This quote reflects Nietzsche’s criticism of the Romantic glorification of suffering and victimhood. He often argued that life involves struggle and conflict, and romanticizing suffering can lead to a passive and life-denying attitude.

On the Rejection of Reality (common in Romanticism):

“The ‘apparent’ world is the only one: the ‘real’ world is merely a lie added by…” – From “Twilight of the Idols”

Here, Nietzsche criticizes the Romantic notion of an idealized, ‘real’ world beyond the apparent one, emphasizing the importance of embracing the tangible, physical world.

On the Romantic Hero Concept:

“The concept of the ‘hero’ is the most fatal error, the peg on which the Übermensch was hanged.” – From his notes (posthumously published)

Nietzsche critiqued the Romantic ideal of the hero as self-absorbed and overly focused on personal angst, preferring the idea of the Übermensch who creates new values and affirms life.

On Excessive Emotionality (Romanticism’s Hallmark):

“One must learn to love. This is what happens in music: first one has to learn to hear a figure and melody at all, to detect and distinguish it, to isolate it and delimit it as a separate life.” – From “Human, All Too Human”

Nietzsche’s emphasis on structure and discipline in appreciating music can be seen as a critique of the unbridled emotionalism in Romantic music and art.

Nietzsche’s critiques of Romanticism are often implicit, woven into his broader philosophical discussions about morality, culture, and art. His emphasis on strength, affirmation of life, and the creation of new values stand in contrast to what he saw as the Romantic tendencies toward escapism, glorification of suffering, and excessive emotionalism.

Friedrich Nietzsche’s critiques of Romanticism are scattered across his various works, and his statements offer a deep insight into his complex views:

On Romantic Nostalgia and the Past: In “Thus Spoke Zarathustra,” Nietzsche presents the idea of the “eternal recurrence,” which challenges the Romantic idealization of the past. He suggests that one should live life as though they would have to live the same life repeatedly, thus focusing on the present and future, not an idealized past.

On Transcendence and Otherworldliness: In “The Birth of Tragedy,” Nietzsche contrasts the Apollonian (order, reason) with the Dionysian (chaos, emotion). He initially praised the balance of these elements in Romantic art, particularly in Wagner’s operas. However, he later critiqued this for promoting escapism and neglecting the harsh realities of life.

On Pessimism and Suffering: In “The Gay Science” and “Beyond Good and Evil,” Nietzsche critiques the Romantic glorification of suffering and melancholy. He promotes the idea of “amor fati” (love of one’s fate), arguing for a joyful acceptance of life with all its pain and struggles, rather than a pessimistic resignation to suffering.

On Romantic Art and Wagner: Nietzsche’s “The Case of Wagner” is a critique of Wagner’s music and the Romantic movement in art. He argues that Wagner’s music represents a decadent, unhealthy art form that indulges in excessive emotion and escapism.

On Subjectivity: Throughout his works, including “Ecce Homo,” Nietzsche expresses concerns about the Romantic emphasis on subjectivity and introspection, advocating instead for a more outward-looking perspective that engages actively with the world.

Nietzsche’s critiques are not a wholesale rejection of Romanticism but rather a nuanced engagement with its ideas. He appreciates certain aspects of Romantic thought while challenging others, especially those he perceives as life-denying or escapist. His philosophy is, in many ways, a response to the perceived excesses and shortcomings of Romanticism, seeking to carve out a path that affirms life and reality in all their complexity.

What did he say

Friedrich Nietzsche’s relationship with Romanticism was complex and multifaceted. While he was influenced by certain aspects of Romantic thought, he also critiqued it on several grounds:

Idealization of the Past: Nietzsche critiqued the Romantic glorification of the past. He believed this nostalgia was a form of escapism, a refusal to confront and embrace the realities and challenges of the present and future. Nietzsche emphasized the importance of living dynamically and affirmatively in the present moment.

Emphasis on Transcendence and the Otherworldly: Nietzsche was critical of the Romantic inclination towards transcendence and the otherworldly, seeing it as a denial of life and reality. He advocated for a philosophy that affirmed life in this world, with all its imperfections and suffering, rather than seeking solace in an idealized past or an otherworldly realm.

Excessive Focus on the Self and Subjectivity: While Nietzsche valued individualism, he critiqued the Romantic preoccupation with the self and subjective emotional experience. He saw this as potentially leading to solipsism and a disconnect from the broader social and cultural context.

Romantic Pessimism and Melancholy: Nietzsche was critical of the Romantic tendency towards pessimism, melancholy, and passive suffering. He advocated for a more active, assertive approach to life, emphasizing the creation of personal values and the idea of the “Übermensch” (Overman or Superman) – a concept representing the potential for individual greatness and self-overcoming.

Critique of Romantic Art and Music: Nietzsche had a complicated relationship with the music of Richard Wagner, a key figure in Romantic art. Initially an ardent admirer, Nietzsche later critiqued Wagner’s music for what he saw as its excessive emotionalism and irrationality, which he believed could have a detrimental effect on listeners.

Nietzsche’s critique of Romanticism was part of his broader philosophical project of reevaluating values and challenging conventional morality and metaphysics. He sought to offer an alternative to what he saw as the Romantic movement’s shortcomings, advocating for a philosophy that celebrated strength, vitality, and the affirmation of life.

Why Nietzsche critical of romanticism

Several notable critics and thinkers have offered critiques or engaged critically with the ideas of Romanticism, either contemporaneously or in later periods. Here are some of them:

Samuel Johnson: An 18th-century critic, Johnson often critiqued what he saw as the excesses of Romantic sentimentality, emphasizing instead the importance of reason and realism.

Charles Baudelaire: A 19th-century French poet and essayist, Baudelaire both continued and critiqued Romantic traditions. He admired Romanticism’s depth of feeling but criticized what he saw as its naivete and lack of sophistication about evil and suffering.

T.S. Eliot: In the 20th century, Eliot, a poet and critic, critiqued Romanticism, particularly its subjectivism and self-indulgence. He advocated for a return to more classical forms and discipline in poetry.

George Bernard Shaw: The Irish playwright and critic, Shaw was critical of Romantic idealism, particularly in its manifestations in literature and drama. He favored realism and rationalism over Romantic emotionalism.

Friedrich Nietzsche: The German philosopher had a complex relationship with Romanticism. He was influenced by it, particularly by Schopenhauer and Wagner, but he also critiqued its emphasis on otherworldliness and escapism.

Raymond Williams: A 20th-century Marxist theorist, Williams critiqued Romanticism from a socio-political perspective, analyzing its role in the development of modern cultural and literary forms and ideologies.

Northrop Frye: A Canadian literary critic, Frye engaged with Romantic literature extensively. While recognizing its importance, he critiqued its tendency towards solipsism and its often unstructured, sprawling nature.

Terry Eagleton: A contemporary critic and theorist, Eagleton has critiqued various aspects of Romanticism, particularly its idealization of certain concepts like nature and the individual.

These critics, coming from diverse philosophical and literary traditions, have offered varied perspectives on Romanticism, contributing to a richer and more complex understanding of the movement and its impact on Western thought and culture.

Famous critics

Critiques of Romanticism, while acknowledging its significant contributions to art, literature, and philosophy, often focus on various perceived limitations and issues:

Idealization of the Past and Nature: Critics argue that Romanticism’s idealization of the past and nature can lead to a distorted view of reality. The romanticized past is often seen as overly simplistic, ignoring the complexities and challenges of historical periods.

Emphasis on Emotion Over Reason: While Romanticism celebrated emotion and individual experience, critics point out that this often came at the expense of rational and scientific thought. This could lead to subjective and sometimes irrational perspectives, potentially hindering progress and objective understanding.

Escapism: The Romantic focus on individual emotions and nature can be seen as a form of escapism. Critics suggest that this retreat into the self and the idealized natural world can be a way to avoid confronting the real social, political, and economic issues of the day.

The Romantic Hero: The concept of the solitary, tormented Romantic hero, while influential, has been criticized for promoting a self-absorbed, even narcissistic individualism. This focus on personal angst and rebellion could overshadow broader communal and societal responsibilities.

Pessimism and Melancholy: The Romantics’ frequent preoccupation with melancholy and despair is seen by some as a negative worldview that glorifies suffering and sadness, potentially leading to a defeatist or nihilistic attitude.

Gender Bias: The Romantic movement, like many historical artistic movements, has been criticized for its gender bias. Female artists and thinkers were often marginalized, and the movement’s ideals and themes were largely male-centric.

Impact on Subsequent Movements: Some critics argue that the intense individualism and emotionalism of Romanticism paved the way for later problematic ideologies and philosophies, contributing to a cultural environment that could be exploited for less noble ends.

Nationalism and Exoticism: Romanticism’s emphasis on folklore and national identity sometimes veered into problematic nationalism. Moreover, its fascination with “the exotic” often involved stereotypical or superficial portrayals of non-European cultures.

In sum, while Romanticism profoundly influenced Western culture and thought, its critics highlight its potential for impracticality, self-indulgence, and escapist tendencies. These critiques provide a necessary counterbalance, offering a more nuanced understanding of the movement and its legacy.

Critique of romanticism

Famous thinkers from the Romantic era, who contributed significantly to its ideals and philosophy, include:

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: A German writer and statesman, Goethe’s works, such as “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther,” are cornerstone pieces of Romantic literature. He emphasized the importance of emotion and the individual’s experience.

William Wordsworth: An English poet, Wordsworth played a pivotal role in founding the Romantic Age in English literature. His poetry, including works like “Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey,” often celebrated nature, emotion, and the individual’s connection to the natural world.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge: A close associate of Wordsworth, Coleridge was an English poet, literary critic, philosopher, and theologian. His poem “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” is a classic of Romantic literature.

Lord Byron (George Gordon Byron): An English poet and a leading figure in the Romantic movement, Byron was known for his flamboyant lifestyle and works like “Don Juan” and “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage.” His persona and poetry embodied the Romantic hero.

Percy Bysshe Shelley: An English poet, Shelley’s radical views and lyrical poetry, such as “Ozymandias” and “To a Skylark,” made him a key figure in the Romantic movement.

John Keats: An English poet, Keats is known for his vivid imagery and odes, such as “Ode to a Nightingale” and “Ode on a Grecian Urn.” His work emphasizes beauty and the transient nature of life.

Mary Shelley: An English novelist who wrote “Frankenstein,” Shelley’s work combines Romantic themes with early elements of science fiction.

Friedrich Schiller: A German poet, philosopher, physician, historian, and playwright, Schiller’s works, like “Ode to Joy,” influenced Romantic literature and philosophy, emphasizing freedom, individualism, and the aesthetic experience.

Arthur Schopenhauer: A German philosopher, Schopenhauer’s pessimistic philosophy influenced later Romantic and existential thinkers. His work, “The World as Will and Representation,” explores the role of human will in a world driven by desire and suffering.

These thinkers and their works deeply influenced the cultural and philosophical landscape, contributing to the rich legacy of the Romantic era. Their focus on emotion, nature, individualism, and the critique of industrialization and rationalism provided a counterpoint to the Enlightenment, shaping modern thought in profound ways.

Famous “romantic” thinkers

Romanticism was an artistic, literary, musical, and intellectual movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century and lasted until the mid-19th century. It was characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism, glorification of the past and nature, and a preference for the medieval rather than the classical.

Key aspects of Romanticism include:

Emphasis on Emotion and Individual Experience: Romanticism was a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and the industrial revolution. It focused on intense emotional experiences, individual imagination, and personal feelings.

Nature and the Sublime: Romantics had a deep appreciation for nature, seeing it as a source of spiritual renewal and inspiration. They often depicted nature as powerful and overwhelming (the sublime), capable of inducing awe and wonder.

Reverence for the Past: There was a strong interest in history, especially the medieval era and folk traditions. Romantics idealized the past, seeing it as a simpler, purer time, free from the complexities and corruption of modern life.

Celebration of the Individual: Romantics believed in the importance of the individual and the artist’s creative expression. They celebrated heroism, individual genius, and the unique destiny of each person.

Artistic Innovation: Romantic artists, writers, and musicians pushed boundaries and experimented with new styles, forms, and themes. They sought to express their inner world and emotions through their work.

Political and Social Themes: Many Romantics were involved in political and social causes, advocating for liberty, democracy, and revolution.

Romanticism significantly influenced various cultural fields and subsequent movements. It encouraged an exploration of human potential, a respect for individual emotion, and a creative spirit that challenged established norms. In philosophy, it contributed to a deeper exploration of subjectivity, emotions, and the human condition, themes that are still relevant in today’s discussions about innovation and entrepreneurship.