Third Architect of Modernity

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) An important element of Nietzsche's philosophical outlook is the "will to power" (der Wille zur Macht), which provides a basis for understanding motivation in human behavior. But this concept may have wider application, as Nietzsche, in a number of places, also suggests that the will to power is a more important element than pressure for adaptation or survival. In its later forms Nietzsche's concept of the will to power applies to all living things, suggesting that adaptation and the struggle to survive is a secondary drive in the evolution of animals, less important than the desire to expand one’s power.
Writing a generation before Nietzsche, Schopenhauer had regarded the entire universe and everything in it as driven by a primordial will to live, thus resulting in all creatures' desire to avoid death and to procreate. Nietzsche suggests that people and animals really want power; living in itself appears only as a subsidiary aim — something necessary to promote one's power. In defense of his view, Nietzsche appeals to many instances in which people and animals willingly risk their lives in order to promote their power, most notably in instances like competitive fighting and warfare. Once again, Nietzsche seems to take part of his inspiration from the ancient Homeric Greek texts he knew well: Greek heroes and aristocrats or "masters" did not desire mere living (they often died quite young and risked their lives in battle) but wanted power, glory, and greatness.

The third great temptation is power. I want to have my own way. My way is better than your way, it is even better than God's way. The Christian, however, prays as Jesus taught us saying, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." In another place Jesus says, "I came, not to do my own will, but the will of the one who sent me." The consecrated person takes a vow of obedience. In love for God he freely gives up his own will in order to carry out the will of God. All Christians must practice obedience to the will of God. Obediance to the will of God results in freedom. God is the creator and ruler of all things. When we live according to his reign we particpate in it. "If you die with me, you will also reign with me."