Two types of suffering

Nietzsche, a German philosopher, wrote that every work of art and philosophy exists "as a remedy and an aid in the service of growing and struggling life." Philosophy and art "presuppose sufferers." Moreover, Nietzsche notes two distinct types of sufferers in the world 👇

Two types of sufferers. The first type are people "who suffer from the over-fullness of life." The second type are people who "suffer from the impoverishment of life."

The first type can afford to enjoy art that is "evil, absurd, and ugly." Such a person is so full of procreative energies that he can "turn any desert into lush farmland." He can enjoy destructive ideas and disorienting stories without breaking apart himself.

The second type seeks "rest, stillness, calm seas, and redemption" through art and knowledge. Those who "suffer most and are poorest in life" gravitate towards mild, peaceful, and positivity-promoting art by necessity.

The second type needs religion and logic. Those with a weak constitution require a God who is good to the sick and the downtrodden - a God who is a "healer and savior." They also need the world to have a certain "conceptual understandability" - lest they be permanently terrified.

Dionysian vs Epicurean art. Dionysian art provides chaos and tragedy - an enjoyable challenge for those with a strong constitution. Epicurean art is curative - it provides a peaceful escape to those who are sick and weak.

The test of backward inference. To judge a work of art or philosophy, Nietzsche examines the spiritual need it fulfills. What are the ideals being promoted, and who would need them? Nietzsche asks: "Is it hunger or super-abundance that has here become creative?"

The desire for destruction. Works of art that fiercely attack past customs and established norms can either come from an overflowing Dionysian energy that is "pregnant with the future," or from the vengeful hatred of "the ill-constituted, disinherited and underprivileged."

The will to immortalize. Art that immortalizes a certain idea or a way of life can come from "gratitude and love." But it can also come from someone "who struggles, is tormented" - someone who wants to turn the "idiosyncrasy of his suffering" into a "binding law and compulsion."

Bottom line. Whether a work of art destroys or worships, it has two possible psychological origins. In the first case, the artist and audience seek art that tests and grows their strength. But the weak seek art that sedates - or provides a fantasy of revenge.