Why Nietzsche Would Roast The Ever-loving F*ck Out of Gatekeepy Tech Bros

If Friedrich Nietzsche were alive today, he’d have a field day with the gatekeepy tech bro crowd. You know, those folks who act like cybersecurity is some hella badass dark art🐉🤺, hoarding “secrets” to make themselves look cool. Yeah, Nietzsche would call them out and read them for filth. Let’s dive into why

The Ubermensch vs. the Gatekeeper

Nietzsche’s philosophy centers on the concept of the Übermensch, or the “Overman” – a person who transcends the ordinary to create their own values and live authentically. Gatekeeping, in contrast, is all about clinging to established power and exclusivity, the exact opposite of what Nietzsche admired.

Nietzsche’s Take on Ego and Insecurity

Nietzsche believed that people often create complex systems or cling to difficult tasks to hide their insecurities and inflate their egos. When these tech bros make their work seem impossibly complex, it’s a defense mechanism. They’re not confident in their intrinsic value, so they build up these artificial walls to feel superior.

In “Thus Spoke Zarathustra,” Nietzsche writes about the “last man,” a complacent being who avoids challenges and personal growth. These gatekeepers, hiding behind their so-called “expertise,” are the tech world’s last men. Instead of pushing boundaries and fostering knowledge, they revel in their tiny, dark corners, satisfied with their limited power.

Resentment and the Will to Power

Nietzsche’s idea of ressentiment, or deep-seated resentment, is a key to understanding why these gatekeepers act the way they do. They resent others who might challenge their expertise or expose their vulnerabilities. By keeping the “secrets” to themselves, they exert control and maintain their fragile self-esteem.

The true Will to Power, as Nietzsche saw it, is about self-overcoming and growth, not about suppressing others to feel strong. Cybersecurity should be about empowering people, spreading knowledge, and improving the field as a whole. But these gatekeepers? They’re stunting the growth of everyone around them to keep their own egos intact.

Authenticity vs. Pretense

Nietzsche cherished authenticity. To him, living authentically means embracing one’s true self and not hiding behind masks. Gatekeepers in cybersecurity are all about pretense. They mask their work in layers of complexity and mystique, not to protect it but to protect themselves.

In “The Gay Science,” Nietzsche celebrates the free spirit who embraces uncertainty and seeks knowledge for its own sake. Imagine how he’d view a cybersecurity world where knowledge is freely shared, where the mysteries are demystified, and everyone has a chance to learn and grow. That’s a world Nietzsche would adore.

Practical Advice: Embrace the Philosophy

So, what does this mean for you, a budding cybersecurity enthusiast? It means don’t be intimidated by the gatekeepers. Understand that their complexity is often just a smokescreen. Embrace your curiosity, seek knowledge, and break down those artificial barriers. Here’s how:

1. Challenge the Status Quo: Don’t take the complexity at face value. Ask questions, dig deeper, and seek to understand the fundamentals.
2. Share Knowledge: Be the antithesis of the gatekeeper. Share what you learn freely and help others grow with you. Create a community of empowerment.
3. Build a Second Brain: Keep track of your learning journey in a system that works for you. This “second brain” can help you manage information and make connections that others might miss.
4. Stay Authentic: Don’t feel pressured to conform to the gatekeeping culture. Embrace your unique perspective and use it to your advantage.

Conclusion: Be the Übermensch of Cybersecurity

In the end, Nietzsche would urge you to be the Übermensch of cybersecurity. Transcend the petty gatekeeping, embrace authenticity, and empower others with your knowledge. The field of cybersecurity doesn’t need more gatekeepers; it needs more free spirits willing to share, learn, and grow together.

So, next time you encounter a gatekeeper, remember Nietzsche’s wisdom. They’re not as powerful or knowledgeable as they seem. They’re just protecting their fragile egos behind a wall of complexity. Break down that wall, share your knowledge, and let’s make cybersecurity a field where everyone can thrive.