Fusion of Nietzsche and Buddha in Jessica Au’s Cold Enough for Snow

In Jessica Au’s well-known novel Cold Enough for Snow, the themes of mindfulness and compassion are prominently explored through the relationship between the mother and daughter. Their interactions reflect the contrasting attitudes of older and younger generations toward life, while also suggesting that combining their perspectives can enrich human experience. Although both characters value mindfulness throughout their metaphorical journey, the daughter is driven by Nietzsche’s concept of the Will to Power and aspires toward self-transcendence associated with the Overman. In contrast, the mother’s contemplative outlook encourages peacefulness, acceptance, and detachment from material concerns.
The two characters also differ in their engagement with interpersonal relationships. The mother, representing the older generation, demonstrates compassion and emotional attentiveness toward others, whereas the daughter, as a representative of the younger generation, is more concerned with transcending her own limitations. While the novel’s emphasis on mindfulness and compassion aligns it with Buddhist philosophy, its focus on self-overcoming and individual striving reflects important aspects of Friedrich Nietzsche’s existential thought.
Accordingly, this paper combines Buddhist spiritual principles with Nietzschean philosophy to examine Jessica Au’s intellectual and philosophical vision in shaping the novel. The methodology adopted in this study treats compassion and the Will to Power as complementary forces that contribute to human fulfillment. Buddhism encourages individuals to overcome everyday anxieties through mindfulness and compassionate engagement with others; however, without the motivating force of the Will to Power, personal growth may remain incomplete. Conversely, Nietzsche’s concept of the Overman emphasizes self-development and transcendence but often neglects social connectedness and collective responsibility.
Through close textual analysis of selected passages from the novel, this paper demonstrates how mindfulness helps the characters avoid unnecessary psychological distress, while compassion protects them from an emotionally detached and excessively individualistic mode of living.

Nietzsche, Buddha, Overman, Compassion, Will to Power, Mindfulness, Nothingness

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