From Nihilism to Tradition: The Surprising Lessons Nietzsche Offers to Burkeans

As Burkean conservatives, we honor tradition and institutions and believe in the need for a moral order. For many of us, this includes a strong belief in a transcendent moral order. You've probably heard me talk about the importance of history on Twitter Spaces or in my articles. Today, I want to introduce someone unexpected who has insightful thoughts on history, tradition, and moral order that are incredibly relevant to us: Friedrich Nietzsche.

Now, Nietzsche often gets a bad rap. People think of him as the guy who talked about nihilism and tearing down traditions. But his critiques of the church, religion, morality, and institutions were actually warnings against the dangers of nihilism. He saw the problems that come when people lose faith in these things and wanted to find better, stronger foundations for society.

I bring up Nietzsche because his analysis of history is crucial for conservatives to understand. Our conservatism and even the Republican Party have been damaged by inaccurate readings of history. Tomorrow, I'll be writing about the myths surrounding the Southern strategy and party realignment in the South. Because history and traditions are vital to understanding conservatism, let's start with a primer on Nietzsche's "Use and Abuse of History."

Nietzsche and Burke: Unlikely Allies?

At first glance, Friedrich Nietzsche and Edmund Burke might seem like strange allies. Nietzsche, the rebel philosopher, and Burke, the defender of tradition. Yet both thinkers appreciate the profound influence of history on human life. Nietzsche argues against the uncritical consumption of history, warning that it can paralyze creativity and vitality. Burke, too, warned against abandoning historical wisdom recklessly, emphasizing the importance of tradition and continuity.

Burke’s reflections on the French Revolution reveal his belief that history and tradition are crucial for societal stability: "Society is indeed a contract... between those who are living, those who are dead, and those who are to be born." Nietzsche, in his own provocative style, insists that history should serve life and creativity, not shackle them. Both perspectives underscore a reverence for the past’s lessons while recognizing the need to adapt these lessons to present circumstances.

Context and Relevance: Nietzsche's "Use and Abuse of History"

Friedrich Nietzsche wrote "On the Use and Abuse of History for Life" in 1874, during a time of intense cultural and intellectual change in Europe. The essay was part of his larger work, the "Untimely Meditations," which critiqued the predominant attitudes of his time. Nietzsche was concerned that the growing emphasis on historical scholarship was leading to a kind of cultural paralysis. He explored how history can both enrich and hinder human existence. Nietzsche argues that history should serve life, acting as a tool that fosters growth, creativity, and vitality. He identifies three types of historical approaches—monumental, antiquarian, and critical—each with its unique benefits and pitfalls. Monumental history inspires by highlighting past achievements, antiquarian history preserves cultural heritage, and critical history challenges and critiques past events. However, when misused, history can lead to paralysis, nostalgia, and cynicism, stifling the very life it is meant to enhance. Nietzsche's work urges a balanced and purposeful engagement with history, ensuring that it supports rather than obstructs the flourishing of life.

The Historical Sense: Blessing or Curse?

Nietzsche starts by warning that history, when consumed passively, can become an obstacle to genuine engagement with life. "We need history, but not in the way a spoiled loafer in the garden of knowledge needs it," he declares. (Nietzsche, 1874).