We discuss Fredrich Nietzsche on self-ownership in this week’s Wisdom of the Week.
”The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”
When I imagine owning myself, I visualize a massive iceberg. You always hear how an iceberg has only 10% of its overall mass above the surface of the water. Many people are just like icebergs. Only exposing 10% of themselves. The key to owning yourself, is to only do those things that you wouldn’t mind being above the water. If there is anything that you would do that you wouldn’t want to be public knowledge, simply don’t do it. On the other hand, the knowledge that everything you do will be public gives you courage. When you become a glacier, and not an iceberg, you gain a force of personality that is massively enchanting. It is exhilarating to stand to what you think. Taking self-ownership gives you a sense of adultness and confidence. And so go forth, my friends, and become glaciers. Express your thoughts, and hold strong to them. Be the you, you truly are. Not just the shadow of yourself. Find your courage, and begin living.