AboutMichael J. Motta Expertise Existentialism, existential psychology, political philosophy; some value theory and ethics. Interdisciplinary approach to the social sciences and humanities: some background in abnormal psychology, expressionist art, and modern literature. I'd defer to other experts especially in areas such as analytic philosophy and philosophy of science.
Experience Tutor, Michigan State University, Student-Athlete Support Services, 2002-2005.
Teaching Assistant, Binghamton University, Department of Philosophy, 1995. Organizations American Civil Liberties Union
Publications The Society for Laingian Studies (giardino delle parole),
Lansing State Journal, Grand Ledge Independent, beTurtle.com, Property Investor Magazine, Grand Rapids Press, eHow.com
Education/Credentials Graduate study, Binghamton University, Department of Philosophy, 1993-95.
MA in Philosophy, Michigan State University, College of Arts and Letters, 1991. Master's thesis: "Nietzsche's 'Hothouse For Strange And Choice Plants'".
BA in Social Science, Michigan State University, James Madison College, 1989.
Study abroad: Cambridge University, Trinity College, Cambridge, England, 1988.
Awards and Honors Clifford D. Clark Fellow, Binghamton University, 1993-95.
Department of Philosophy Fellowship, Michigan State University, 1991.
National Merit Scholar, Michigan State University, 1985-1989.
Question Hello, thanks again for your answers to previous questions about this topic. I have yet another. Nietzsche mentions how "strict selfishness" is the most profoundly necessary thing for prosperity, as opposed to selflessness. I attempt to make sense of this idea by this: The most important thing is out physical body and this world we are living in, not the soul or the afterlife. So, in being selfish, we can preserve our bodies and insticts better than if we were always trying to help out others. I do not know if this is what nietzsche was thinking or not, this is just what I think he is trying to say. Am I understanding this?
Thanks alot
Answer Hi Joey,
You mention some concerns of immediate practicality, such as maintaining and enhancing the body in the real world, the earthy/earthly world, and you mention the instincts, which I think are all valid. On the other end of it, Nietzsche thinks that we best help others, not by making things easier for them, but by challenging them. In this way we each build ourselves and others rather than making small. One should only help and befriend out of overfulness, not out of loneliness or escapism.
