✔️ The word brought up by superstar G-Dragon after a long hiatus: 'Übermensch'.
✔️ Not just a successful 'superman', but a story of a human constantly overcoming themselves.
✔️ We explore the true values we should learn from his attitude toward life, transcending age and generation.
G-Dragon, and Kwon Ji-yong's 'Übermensch'
Watching G-Dragon's recent TV interview gave me much to think about. Even though he is much younger than me, the weight he had to endure at the top and the attitude with which he sublimated that burden resonated deeply.
He mentioned Nietzsche's philosophy, the 'Übermensch'. This might not be just a philosophical term, but perhaps a necessary compass for life for all of us living fiercely today. Today, let's explore the true meaning of Nietzsche's 'Übermensch' through the figure of G-Dragon.
1. Übermensch: The Being That 'Transcends'
Many misunderstand 'Übermensch' as a cinematic 'Superman' with superpowers. However, the Übermensch Nietzsche spoke of is not such a superhuman entity.
- Subject of Self-Overcoming: It is a compound of the German words 'Über' (over/beyond) and 'Mensch' (human). It means a human who constantly tries to 'transcend' their weak self that wants to settle for the present.
- Creator of Values: An independent being who does not blindly follow standards or morals set by others, but creates their own life values and pushes forward.
- Affirmation of Hardship: Not avoiding life's pain, but accepting it even as part of one's life, loving it (Amor fati), and using it as a stepping stone for growth.
2. How G-Dragon Proved the Übermensch
Beyond simply being an artist with exceptional musical talent, he demonstrated aspects of the Übermensch through his attitude toward life.
① 'Self-Overcoming' that Rejects Settling
Even at the very top, he constantly broke his own mold with unconventional attempts every time. The attitude of not settling for the sake of a "better me today than yesterday" is exactly the image of the Übermensch constantly moving forward like Nietzsche's 'rope dancer'.
② 'Amor Fati': Accepting Hardship as Destiny
Amidst unfair accusations and pouring criticism, he did not crumble or flee. His interview, where he mentioned reaching a stage of "loving the endurance of hardship beyond just bearing it," perfectly demonstrates Nietzsche's spirit of 'Amor fati (love of fate)'—affirming even one's harsh destiny and rising again.
You Are Already on the Path of the 'Übermensch'
The reason we admire G-Dragon is likely not just because of his glamour. It's because we saw the intense process of self-overcoming and the solid inner self hidden behind that glamour.
Regardless of age, if you are facing today's hardships head-on without avoiding them and dreaming of a slightly better self than yesterday, aren't you also already walking the path of the great 'Übermensch' that Nietzsche spoke of?
