Philosophical connections

I find it interesting that Benedict refers to Nietzsche multiple times when speaking of the Zuni and the Pueblos in general. She mentions the concept of the over/superman, as well as a few other Nietzschian parallels, but I can't help but notice that the collective nature, and the almost calm/neutral outlook on life is a bit too unindividualistic to be of the Nietzschian persuasion. It's almost as if the Pueblos emphasize the individual just strongly enough to be unique in the emphasis, but they emphasize the whole, the family, the spouse, and the culture enough that the individual could sometimes be lost. It also seems to be a contradiction how the individual may be frowned upon when he strives for better material office in the village. The mental uprising is much more important than the material, and it's quite a feat of human nature to have something so different. It's hard to grasp especially looking at today's society, as well (as Benedict mentions) as other Native groups.

Their Apollonian tendencies are quite amazing, and Benedicts comparison to the ancient societies and cults is impeccable. I don't know if I would have been able to draw the same conclusions myself, but the similarities are very clear, and I'm glad I have had the opportunity to know of such a parallel.