Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900), a profound German philosopher and poet, grappled with the intellectual currents of 19th-century Europe, including Existentialism and the decline of Religion. Born in Prussian Saxony, Nietzsche's studies in Philology, a reclusive lifestyle, and a bout with mental illness significantly shaped his radical ideas. "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," serialized between 1883 and 1885, emerged in a Period dominated by Darwinian Thought and nascent Modernism, initially baffling critics with its poetic narrative and radical themes. Though initially underappreciated, the Work profoundly influenced existential and Post-Modern Philosophy, impacting a Spectrum of thinkers like Heidegger, Sartre, and even spawning unexpected resonances in Literature, Psychology, and avant-garde arts globally.
Guiding Question
What does it mean to become who you truly are?