Content Warning: This section refers to death by suicide.

Martin Eden’s favorite philosopher is Herbert Spencer, whose confluence of science and philosophy informs Martin’s writing and worldview. Spencer (1820-1903) was a philosophical disciple of Charles Darwin, extending the naturalist’s ideas into the realm of sociology. Spencer is known for his theory of social Darwinism, which defends social inequality based on the principle of “survival of the fittest.” Social Darwinism is often criticized as a misinterpretation of Darwin’s theories because Darwin valued the interdependency of organisms as they evolved into ecological niches in tandem. The influence of Spencer’s emphasis on individual strength and its relationship to success speaks to Martin’s naturally individualistic nature: He comes to believe that one should strive to break away from the opinions of the masses and rely on one’s own intelligence and strength of character.

Later in the novel, German philosopher Fredrich Nietzsche becomes another large influence on Martin’s personal philosophy. Martin embodies Nietzsche’s ideal of the “will to power,” humanity’s fundamental drive to transcend its limitations through force of will and creative effort. Martin’s belief in his own iconoclastic writing and philosophy, coupled with his idealization of self-educated, mold-breaking thinkers such as Brissenden and Kreis, demonstrates his will to power.