Time is a Flat Circle? (Nietzsche + Mega Man) – 8-Bit Philosophy

Press Start for “Time is a Flat Circle?“ by 8-Bit Philosophy, where classic video games introduce famous thinkers, problems, and concepts with quotes, teachings, and more.

Episode 12: Time is a Flat Circle? (Friedrich Nietzsche & Eternal Recurrence)

More 8-Bit Philosophy:

Thug Notes:

Earthling Cinema:

Pop Psych:

Written by: Matt Reichle
Created & Directed by: Jared Bauer
Narrator: Nathan Lowe
Animation Producer: MB X. McClain
Academic Consultant: Mia Wood
Producer & Additional Artwork by: Jacob S. Salamon

© 2014 Wisecrack, Inc. –

[marcdellorusso]

I love that they used True Detective for this. Rust Cohle is the fucking man.

[ShawnRavenfire]

This is basically the point demonstrated in the movie "Groundhog Day."  He at first resents the day that he's forced to repeat, but eventually learns to make the best of the situation, and becomes the übermench.

[Sporefan]

"Time line? Time isn't made out of lines. It is made out of circles. That is why clocks are round!"- Michael J. Caboose

[timothycain]

eternal recurrence sounds like dark souls

[mitchelldubeau]

I love the content but could the music be quieter? 

[dasanjos]

This is by far the best mixture of philosophy and video game ever - Poor megaman, would he still play if he knew he would die so tragically every time?

[autumncaleb]

This was actually my favorite episode of 8bp yet, and they're all pretty great.

[TheDmntdmnky]

I love this channel ^.^ it makes up for all the brain cells I lost watching other stupid videos

[thegentleman]

I've just watched all the 8-bit video in a row. It's fun and I really enjoyed it, I'm fond of the 8-bit aesthetics, and to me linking philosophical ideas to video games the way you do (mega man and Nietzsche are a perfect match!) makes it easier for me to remember which authors defended which thesis. So thank you very much for your work, I hope you'll keep running 8-bit for a while. I'm curious to see the next episode now. I'm subscribing to your channel (maybe I'll check some thug notes too).

[ikaSenseiCA]

I guess reoccurring depression has made me an ubermensch in a way. I can thrive off depression and bad situations when they're thrown at me. My sole wish is to make the world a better place for others, which makes it easy to satisfy myself. If being in a bad position gives me the tools to help others, I'll gladly take it. If not, it's just another minor setback that needs to be overcome.

[Unarmedgeof]

Absolutely love this channel. It's what Game Theory orginally was, but better by hitting the actual hard questions of life. Love it!

[TOG.]

"So much hate! So much angry! Robot masters! Attack!"

-The plot of every Megaman game

(I wouldnt have it any other way)

[iluvideos]

I didn't think think they go back to a previously discussed philosopher.  Guess that shows me.  I'd love to see some Asian and African phlosophers

[Deckman]

I think that the way you guys are doing this series is just perfect. Keep doing what you're doing Playa!

[timetochronicle]

I like this actually. I may not believe in everything Nietzsche says but, I definitely do think, if someone said to you that you were doomed to repeat a certain moment for the rest of eternity, as opposed to fighting it, you would go "Thats just how it is", I think the positive of such a way of thinking is that, even if we're living in a tough time now, we can always cherish a ideal moment in the past that we will repeat, and, after a current bad state of events, we can enter a much better state, one that could not happen if we didn't take action now.

[TimmyHD]

I really enjoy watching the 8-bit Philosophy videos! They are educational, fun to watch, and I learn something new each time I watch one. Keep up the good work, I might watch some of your other videos as well! Wisecrack :)

[thehiddenclockwork]

"I am the übermensch"
-medic, Team Fortress 2

[HectorRomero-bfdc]

I don't understand what all the complaining about. This 8 bit philosophy is the most creative way to get complex ideas that philosophers had in a way that everyone can understand. It makes me lose hope in humanity when ppl instantly hate on someone who takes time to do all this to expand OUR minds, something they don't have to do at all. Critique is one thing, but stop hatin'

[remykarns]

Very happy to see you'll be revisiting concepts of previous philosophers!

Crossing my fingers for John Stuart Mill!

[TheMindofRa]

Well that last part about being cool with having to repeat the same amount of suffering over and over again. Sounds very zen/daoist in thinking. It's similar to "returning to the root" and "investing in loss"