Reflections on Nietzsche and Political Ambition

Up to now, my understanding of Friedrich Nietzsche has mainly come from two films. One is “The Abyss,” where his well-known quote about gazing into the abyss resonates deeply. The other is “Blazing Saddles,” where a character quotes Nietzsche during a lively town meeting, which I remember vividly.

He says, “You know, Nietzsche states, ‘Out of chaos comes order,’” to which another character humorously retorts, “Oh, blow it out your ass, Howard.” That’s the memorable point Mel Brooks made.

So, when California’s Governor Gavin Newsom referenced Nietzsche regarding a potential presidential run, my mind immediately jumped to that scene from “Blazing Saddles.”

During a recent PBS “NewsHour” interview, Newsom was asked what might prevent him from running in 2028. He mentioned needing a “big enough why” to tackle any “how,” drawing on Nietzsche’s notion, and emphasized the importance of presenting voters with a compelling vision.

A governor invoking Nietzsche while aiming for the White House isn’t merely acknowledging boundaries; rather, it signals eagerness.

I can’t claim to be an expert on Nietzsche; I’m just a caregiver. For 40 years, I’ve wrestled with my own limitations, discovering how easily “responsibility” can morph into a power struggle. I’ve desired the final word at home and labeled it as love. Yet, I’ve found that fatigue often tempered that urge more than any sense of ethical virtue.

Honestly, I already struggle to manage my own life. The drive of those who wish to control others feels less impressive and more tiring to me now.

Newsom has been quite active lately, from fly-fishing in Montana with Jake Tapper to addressing the UN and meeting with wildfire survivors in Altadena.

None of this raises eyebrows; ambitious governors engage in typical ambitious behaviors. Still, California has handed Newsom a compelling rationale.

Only 19% of households in California could afford the state’s median-priced existing single-family home in the second quarter of 2026, which was priced at $916,750. To afford that, a household needs an annual income of $228,400.

Some people are still sleeping outside. Survivors of fires continue to rebuild. Moreover, U-Haul has ranked California last for net one-way customer growth in 2025, marking the sixth consecutive year it has finished in that position.

If U-Haul starts sending thank-you notes to the governor, he might want to ponder why.

Public service is often just public power dressed up. A strong rationale doesn’t inherently justify that reasoning. Endurance may be driven by conviction, but that doesn’t encompass morality.

To be fair to Newsom, the aphorism he used genuinely belongs to Nietzsche. It’s found in “Twilight of the Idols.” Citing it doesn’t necessarily make Newsom a follower of Nietzsche, just like quoting G.K. Chesterton doesn’t turn me into Chesterton.

However, Nietzsche himself was less about greeting-card wisdom. In “The Antichrist,” he poses the question, “What is good?” and answers, “Whatever enhances the feeling of power, the will to power, power itself, in man.” At least he made his stance clear.

The longing for elevated status isn’t novel. Even Jesus experienced this when His disciples requested the seats of honor at His side right after He foretold His suffering and death.

He replied, “You do not know what you are asking.” He cautioned that rules among the Gentiles impose authority over others, but for His followers, it should be different. Greatness comes from service. He exemplified this by referring to His own impending sacrifice.

James and John sought the best spots in the kingdom. At Calvary, however, the positions were given to two criminals, not what they had envisioned.

In the depths of night, when someone’s in pain and needs care, thoughts of personal significance fade away. There’s no platform waiting. No grand vision materializes. Just the next urgent task: clean the wound, replace the dressing, dry the tears, tackle the laundry, manage the mess.

Politicians who shy away from hard work tend to seek larger stages for abstract pursuits. In moments like these, Nietzsche doesn’t provide support; Christ offers everything.

Chesterton suggested that original sin is “the only part of Christian theology which can truly be proven.” I don’t need Washington to validate that claim; I see it in myself. This is true for many men who can’t settle in the roles they already occupy.

If Newsom wishes to connect with voters sincerely, he already has faces and stories in front of him. Californians entrusted him with a role, a profound challenge, and a need significant enough to wear down any honest servant.

If he still seeks an additional reason, it suggests to me what type of hunger is really doing the asking.

Olson Johnson’s original response rings true.