I found Nietzsche’s discussion of asceticism to be particular interesting, because the more I thought about it the more pervasive asceticism is in our societies and cultures. Whether it be from people who give up technology like the Amish or the saints who spent their lives on the tops of pillars, every society has a form of asceticism. On the surface it would appear the Nietzsche wouldn’t like this thought, as he is all for expressing strength as strength. Instead he claims "the ascetic ideal springs from the protective instinct of a degenerating life.".
This does make sense in many ways. Ascetic people who voluntary give up pleasure usually see themselves stronger than the rest of society, as they can carry on without things that other people consider pleasurable. Asceticism provides a way out for the sickness that we bring upon ourselves. As we struggle with ourselves and the weak tend towards nihilism, asceticism is an instinct that arises in all cultures as a way of protecting life. Asceticism is only bad in the way that it is indicative of sickness. The ascetic ideas of the herd may not be the optimum expression of will but it is miles better than not willing anything at all.
Nietzsche is also often accused of starting a culture of nihilism so I found it intriguing how he specifically attacks nihilism as a sickness. He clearly anticipated a reaction of nihilism to his philosophy and was quick to disparage this tendency. Life cannot be seen as suffering because that leads to self-pity and nihilism. Reading Nietzsche this becomes very clear. He wants people to take life-affirming actions of the will, reaching out and grabbing power and life.
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