“The Migrant” As a Political Subject In Friedrich Nietzsche’s Philosophy

Abstract

The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche offers a profound perspective on labour problems and their solutions in his work Daybreak. Nietzsche criticises slave labour and the devaluation of workers. And he states that the best life for them is possible through migration. The main aim of this migration is not only to get rid of slavery, but also the will of the workers to become their own masters. Nietzsche's proposal is opposed to the domination of "last man" socialism. It is also diametrically opposed to capitalism. For he emphasises the potential of the individual to be his own master, rather than people living a life based on wealth. It proposes that the alienation of those condemned to a life of slavery from their own existence can only be achieved through migration. This migration would be a breath of fresh air that would unleash the potential of workers and free them from slavery. According to Nietzsche, this migration would be part of a transformation that would bring old Europe to its senses, encourage the formation of a new nation and reduce racism.

In this framework, it is seen that the positive elements that Nietzsche sees in the change that migration will bring are the main elements of the change and transformation within Europe itself. The idea that migration has the potential to create a new nation against the sterilising effects of the nation-state idea in Europe and that hybridisation in this process can reduce racism reflects a radical perspective that Nietzsche brought to the political and social issues of his time.