Why did Nietzsche hate Stoicism?

The dialogue below offers a vivid and humorous portrayal of a debate between the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius and the iconoclast philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. The crux of their argument focuses on an evening's entertainment choice: attending a club versus playing video games at home. The conversation, brimming with both wit and animosity, is a modern spin on their ancient philosophical disagreements, presented through the colloquial language of today's "finance bros."

Marcus Aurelius, the proponent of Stoicism, argues for the virtues of a quieter evening, spent strategizing in a video game. This mirrors his philosophical position of emphasizing self-control, virtue, and wisdom, preferring a lifestyle marked by austerity and inner reflection over indulgence and reckless pleasure-seeking.

On the other hand, Nietzsche, always the critic of conventional morality and the advocate of radical existential freedom, pushes back against Aurelius's suggestion. He champions the club as an emblem of life's raw experience, the Dionysian revelry he perceives as necessary for a full experience of life.

Nietzsche's antagonism towards the Stoics has deep roots in his philosophical beliefs. He perceives Stoicism, with its emphasis on self-control, discipline, and its disdain for passion and desire, as a denial of life. In Nietzsche's view, life is a wild, chaotic, and painful ride, and trying to regulate it with rules and discipline is an act of cowardice, a retreat from the true essence of life.

His vision of the Übermensch or the "Overman," a human being who embraces life with all its chaos and pain and thus transcends the human condition, stands in stark contrast to the Stoic's sage who seeks tranquillity and peace by restraining desires and emotions. This friction fuels the back-and-forth between the philosophers, creating a dialogue that is as heated and volatile as the two vastly different ways of life they represent.

Marcus Aurelius: "Bro, we should absolutely stay in and grind some CoD. There's much more virtue to be found in the quiet strategy of gaming, where we can exercise our judgment, than in the brash, chaotic club scene."

Nietzsche: "Oh, please, Marcus, all that Stoic crap! Clubs are where life happens. It's about raw experience, just like my philosophy. It's the will to power, man. It's dancing with Dionysus, not some digital pixels."

Marcus: "I'm talking about temperance, Friedrich. Plus, if we're being real, we won't lose cash on overpriced drinks and cover charges."

Nietzsche: "Who said anything about temperance? And about the cash? I'd argue it's all about the investments we make. Live in the moment, Marcus! That's an investment in life, bro."

Marcus: "An investment in life? More like an investment in a nasty hangover and ringing ears. True joy doesn't require extravagance or mindless revelry."

Nietzsche: "You’re just afraid of facing the abyss, Marcus. Afraid to confront the meaningless and painful parts of existence. The club, it's like life itself. It's loud, messy, full of pain and pleasure. It's a microcosm of my eternal recurrence."

Marcus: "Confront the abyss? I prefer not to drown in it, thanks. Your eternal recurrence feels more like an eternal headache to me. And not everything painful is meaningful, my dear Friedrich. Don't confuse pointless suffering with virtue."

Nietzsche: "Oh, look at Mr. High-and-Mighty Stoic here, preaching about virtue. Are we trying to be a philosopher-king or a party-pooper?"

Marcus: "Oh, and who's the Übermensch now, Friedrich? Dancing until sunrise, throwing back shots like the world's about to end? Sounds like someone's trying to avoid their own thoughts."

Nietzsche: "Well, Marcus, at least I'm not hiding behind the guise of 'wisdom' to cover up my fear of the world."

Marcus: "And at least I'm not spewing fancy philosophical terms to hide my hangover."

Nietzsche: "I can't believe I'm hearing this from a guy who says, 'Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.' What happened to that, Marcus?"

Marcus: "Being a good man doesn't mean losing oneself in reckless pleasure, Friedrich. It's about balance, introspection, and discipline."

Nietzsche: "And you accuse me of being all words. Discipline, balance, introspection… wake me up when you're done listing your bedtime virtues, Marcus."

Marcus: "I'd rather list virtues than count the empty bottles on your table, Friedrich."

Nietzsche: "Well, at least those bottles have some spirit in them!"

Marcus: "And you, Nietzsche, are certainly full of something tonight."