The inner values and virtues of a human being, as revealed in the definitions given by these two great thinkers for an individual’s relationship with himself and society, fall within their quotes. In Nietzsche’s “Self-worth enhances one’s fame,” there is a connection between a person’s self-esteem and confidence and social standards, while in Yunus Emre’s “Humility raises one’s goodness,” it is specified that goodness and inner values do not seek outside confirmation or honor but rather blossom through humility. Of course, both concepts are significant, but the primary difference between them lies in how each expresses the individual’s relation to oneself and to societal constructs. In his method, Nietzsche claims that man must realize his self-worth and inner resources. For him, external verification and the opinions of others should not determine one’s satisfaction.
If one is to value oneself, then one should realize the power that resides within oneself and project it onto society. An individual who values his worth cannot be considered disrespectful to society, irrespective of outer honors. Nietzsche’s egoistic promotion of the human ego was in a liberating and self-actualizing manner; however, this could sometimes be seen as a selfish or overly individualistic mode of thought since social responsibilities and the rights of others are liable to become ignored. Moreover, he supports slave morality like Western philosophers Plato, Aristotle, and other ancient Greeks and Romans. He is at the top of this list.
Yunus Emre emphasized humility. According to him, true goodness does not rely on any outer prestige or honor being sought. Humility highlights man’s inner goodness and makes it the foundation of justice, love, and tolerance in social relations.
According to Yunus Emre, man must sacrifice his selfish desires first to realize his true value and goodness. Humility is greatness over oneself and taking care of others, cooperation, and honesty. It is an epistemology (the philosophical study of the nature, origin, and limits of human knowledge) that harmonizes and connects the individual to society in a healthy context while giving importance to spiritual values.
Both views have their merits, but it can be said that the importance of humility is clearer in the formation of healthier and more bearable relationships in society. Proper connections with others help realize the true value and goodness of a human being. Humility promotes self-realization through respect for others and at the same time strengthens social order. Freedom of individual expression, as highlighted by Nietzsche as a form of individual worship, remains secondary to the fact that human beings are also meant to exist harmoniously within society. Since this is an ethical perspective, everyone is entitled to think.
To summarize our discussion, we may say that Yunus Emre’s conception of goodness is best seen as promoting social harmony versus individual peace.
Morality as in What We Owe to Each Other stresses the need for moral principles to shape our responsibilities to other people, referring specifically to the moral duties we have to individuals and society, grounded in mutual respect, fairness, and consideration of well-being, like Yunus Emre.
To close this discussion, I want to share the words of Yunus Emre:
“The skill is to see the beauty.
To know the secret of love,
Let everyone in the world know;
The greatest worship is to love.”
Thank you.