Can we educate a genius? Deliberations on the margins of the writings of Nietzsche

Abstract

The article deals with the issue of systemic education. The author asks a classic question of whether traditional education systems should concentrate on students with average abilities or maybe they should foster the most talented ones. Considerations on this subject are conducted with regard to the multi-layered thought of Nietzsche, whose position is so invaluable that in a possible polemic it is situated as an exceptionally radical. Writing down the natural history of mankind, Nietzsche formulates a thesis that the moment of the creation of the first human communities, the moment of the socialisation of man, was extremely unfavourable as far as man’s strength, ability and creativity are concerned. He presents socialisation, which is part of the education process, as beneficial for the community and detrimental to the individual. This situation in the course of history remains the same, which – after the adoption of Nietzschean assumptions – gives cause to adopt a radical position of those who deem the education system unfit to foster outstanding individuals. Nietzsche’s view, in comparison with other views, is so innovative that it considers the inability as genealogically founded. Although the educational system from the point of view of the majority contributes to the emergence of new content, ideas or values, it remains inefficient for individuals of genius.