Friedrich Nietzsche used the term the last man in his philosophical-literary work Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883–1885) to create a contrast to his concept of the Übermensch or superman. By portraying the last person as conflict-averse, security-minded and spoiled, Nietzsche also criticizes the developments of modernity.
Nietzsche / Zarathustra consciously construct the last human being as the opposite of the Übermensch. This Übermensch is an imaginary higher being whose imminent appearance is announced by Zarathustra. While the Übermensch is presented as an ideal person who grows or strives beyond ordinary life, the last person, on the other hand, is described as tired of life, uninterested and lethargic. He doesn't want to take any more risks and is only looking for comfort and security.
Zarathustra describes the last human being as a form of existence for whom everything has become too burdensome that goes beyond the direct satisfaction of needs and the safeguarding of one's own comfort. The last man's life is pacifistic, comfortable, and decadent. There is no longer any distinction between ruler and ruled, strong and weak, superiority and mediocrity. Social conflicts and challenges are avoided. Individuality and creativity are suppressed.
According to Nietzsche, the last person can be understood as the goal that modern society and western civilization have set for themselves, but which Nietzsche / Zarathustra reject. The society of the last man stands in contradiction to the will to power, according to Nietzsche the main driving force of human nature as well as all other life in the universe.