Nietzsche's Engagement with G.W.F. Hegel: A Critical yet Influential Encounter

In his academic career, Friedrich Nietzsche was familiar with the works of G.W.F. Hegel, though his engagement with Hegel's philosophy was often critical. This article explores how Nietzsche's intellectual journey was marked by a deep yet critical engagement with Hegel's ideas, particularly during his time as a student at the University of Bonn and later at the University of Leipzig. Nietzsche's critique of Hegel highlights the evolution of his philosophical perspective and the lasting impact of Hegelian ideas on him.

Nietzsche's Familiarity with Hegel's Works

Nietzsche first encountered Hegel's works during his academic studies, particularly when he was a student at the University of Bonn. According to a letter he wrote in 1865, he had at least read about Hegel. However, it is unclear whether he owned any of Hegel's books, as only about half of Nietzsche's personal library have been preserved. Despite the lack of evidence of Hegel's direct influence in his writings, it is evident that Nietzsche was familiar with Hegel's followers, such as David Strauss, whose ideas Nietzsche critiqued in his work Untimely Meditation.

Nietzsche's interaction with Hegel's ideas is also reflected in his text The Use and Abuse of History for Life, which serves as a polemic against Hegel. In The Wagner Case, section 10, Nietzsche makes a critical statement about Richard Wagner, linking his artistic style to Hegel's philosophy:

"Let us remember that Wagner was young at the time Hegel and Schelling seduced men’s spirits that he guessed that he grasped with his very hands the only thing the Germans take seriously—‘the idea’ which is to say something that is obscure, uncertain, full of intimations.... Hegel is a taste. [... ] A taste Wagner comprehended—to which he felt equal—which he immortalized.—He merely applied it to music—he invented a style for himself charged with ‘infinite meaning’—he became the heir of Hegel—Music as ‘idea’."

Nietzsche's critique suggests that he may not have deeply understood Hegel's concepts, but rather criticized them for their perceived lack of substance in Wagner's musical works. This indicates that Nietzsche's engagement with Hegel was not just academic but also highly selective and critical.

Toward a Divergent Perspective

Nietzsche was heavily influenced by Hegel's ideas, particularly his concepts of dialectics and the development of consciousness. However, he critically engaged with these ideas, viewing Hegelian philosophy as overly systematic and dogmatic. Nietzsche's critical stance is best seen in his emphasis on individualism and the will to power, which he contrasted sharply with Hegel's focus on the Absolute and the unfolding of the Spirit.

The term idea in Hegel's philosophy refers to a teleological or purposive way of understanding reality. For Hegel, the idea indicates a complete, fully developed understanding of something, which is aimed at representing the nature of reality. Nietzsche's use of the term, however, reflects his misunderstanding or misinterpretation of Hegel's concept, portraying it as an ethereal and obscure mental entity.

The Post-Hegelian Aftermath

The debates between the "left" and "right" Hegelians in the aftermath of the failure of the Prussian reform movement significantly impacted the perception of Hegel's philosophy. By the time Nietzsche was reading about Hegel in 1865, Hegel was primarily remembered for his incorrect predictions of the teleological drive towards freedom. This context shaped Nietzsche's critical engagement with Hegel's ideas.

Nietzsche's critique of Hegel's philosophy is not without its academic influences. Gilles Deleuze's Nietzsche and Philosophy (1962) argues that Hegel and Nietzsche are opposites, a claim that has been forcefully challenged. Similarly, Karl L?with's From Hegel to Nietzsche (1949) identifies in Nietzsche a "existentialist" development of Hegel's legacy, distinct from the Marxist alternative.

Conclusion

In summary, Nietzsche did read and engage with the works of G.W.F. Hegel, though he was critical of them. His influence on Nietzsche is evident in his use of dialectics and the development of consciousness, albeit with a divergent perspective. Nietzsche's critical engagement with Hegel reflects his broader philosophical journey and the lasting impact of Hegelian ideas on his philosophy.