Nietzsche: From Decadence at Work to Ascent in Capitalism

Abstract

Objective: to demonstrate elements to defend the idea that work in the capitalist context is, from Nietzsche’s view, decadent. However, despite being decadent, ascending life is possible within it. To this effect, this article explains what Nietzsche understood by decadence, its causes, some of its consequences and, in particular, the reason why work in the capitalist context is a further result of the decadence of culture. It also explains how ascending life is possible, despite being immersed in a decadent context. For this purpose, the roles of the business owner and his/her employees are analyzed. Methodology: this study proceeds methodologically through the philosophical analysis of concepts. Thus, the genealogical method of Nietzsche is applied, with which the restrictive vision of ethics is confronted, according to which it seems as if it were based on previous, absolute, not demonstrable and dogmatic assumptions. Nietzsche's thought, then, constitutes not only a theoretical reference, but also a methodological model to address this issue. Results: Nietzsche's philosophy has implications on capitalism and contemporary business life. Conclusions: ascending life within the capitalist context is very difficult to reach and only a few exceptional beings, who tend to the Übermensch, achieve it.