Will and Willingness.—Some one brought a youth to a wise man, and said, “See, this is one who is being corrupted by women!” The wise man shook his head and smiled. “It is men,” he called out, “who corrupt women; and everything that women lack should be atoned for and improved in men—for man creates for himself the ideal of woman, and woman moulds herself according to this ideal.”—”You are too tender-hearted towards women,” said one of the bystanders, “you do not know them!” The wise man answered: “Man’s attribute is will, woman’s attribute is willingness—such is the law of the sexes, verily! a hard law for woman! All human beings are innocent of their existence, women, however, are doubly innocent; who could have enough of salve and gentleness for them!”—”What about salve! What about gentleness!” called out another person in the crowd, “we must educate women better!”—”We must educate men better,” said the wise man, and made a sign to the youth to follow him.—The youth, however, did not follow him.
Friedrich Nietzsche – The Gay Science
In Friedrich Nietzsche’s work, “The Gay Science,” we encounter a striking dialogue about the nature of will and willingness, especially in the context of gender dynamics. This discussion, rich in existential wisdom, offers invaluable insights into the journey of personal growth and the development of the will.
Redefining Gender and the Will: Nietzsche introduces a thought-provoking perspective on gender roles. He suggests that men often shape the ideal of womanhood, and women, in turn, mould themselves to fit this ideal. This interaction brings to light the complexities of will and willingness within societal constructs. It raises crucial questions about how external influences shape our individual will and how we can reclaim our authentic selves.
The Will to Self-Discovery: The Will Project emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the will – including the strong will, the skillful will, the good will, and the Transpersonal Will. Nietzsche’s dialogue resonates deeply with this concept. The portrayal of will in men and willingness in women can be seen as a reflection of traditional societal expectations. However, it also opens the door to understanding how these roles can be transcended for a more balanced and authentic expression of the self.
Empowerment Through Education: The debate over the education of men and women in Nietzsche’s narrative aligns with the Will Project’s emphasis on holistic self-development. It underlines the importance of nurturing the will, irrespective of gender, to foster a more equitable and authentic development of each individual. The wise man’s advocacy for educating men challenges the status quo, advocating for a reorientation of societal norms to enhance personal growth and self-realization for all.
The Choice of Autonomy: The youth’s decision not to follow the wise man symbolizes the exercise of personal will and autonomy. This decision epitomizes the essence of the Will Project – the significance of recognizing and acting upon one’s own will, rather than conforming to external guidance or stereotypes. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of self-determination in our journey toward psychosynthesis and personal fulfillment.
This extract offers profound insights into the dynamics of will and willingness, particularly in the context of gender roles. This dialogue not only challenges traditional norms but also encourages us to ponder on our journey towards developing a strong, authentic will. As we navigate the complexities of societal expectations and personal growth, Nietzsche’s work remains a beacon of enlightenment, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Engage with the Discussion: We invite you to reflect on your experiences of will and willingness in your personal journey. How have societal expectations shaped your will? What steps are you taking to develop an authentic sense of self? Spend some time writing about this in your journal. If you’re willing, share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
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