Another face of desire, abstinence and greed.

 Another face of desire, abstinence and greed.


Nietzsche in The Genealogy of Morals says that 'asceticism' is not the renunciation of desire, but rather the expression of desire and the will to dominate. If someone is dieting excessively because of their desire for beauty, they say that abstinence does not mean giving up on desire, but only showing that they are obsessed with desire.



In Western Christianity, which Nietzsche criticized, asceticism was the 'submission' or 'unfreedom' to endure for final salvation, but ancient asceticism was a technique developed for 'freedom' not swayed by temptation or fear.




Why do you want to make more money?


Why do you want to read more books?


Why Sleep Less and Exercise?



Whether it is the desire for a free life or the life of a slave who is faithful to the desire, we need to look into each of our desires once again.



Ancient asceticism was not 'another world', but 'another life' in this world. Through the practice of asceticism, they learned the worthlessness of the values ​​prevailing at the time. They were neither afraid nor envious of the powerful and the rich. Rather, he was ashamed of such an authoritative life and a lively life as a 'slave'.




Ancient asceticism was not meant to reduce desire, but to desire a different life. It is just as important to desire a different life than it is to desire more in the present life.

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