A 19th-century literary masterpiece, tremendously influential in the arts and in philosophy, uses the Persian religious leader Zarathustra to voice the author's views, including the introduction of the controversial doctrine of the Übermensch, or "superman," a term later perverted by Nazi propagandists. A passionate, quasi-biblical style is employed to inspire readers.
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Nietzsche's philosophical masterpiece. Thus Spoke Zarathustra has forever changed the way humanity views the world around it. Few books are capable... (show more)
Nietzsche's philosophical masterpiece. Thus Spoke Zarathustra has forever changed the way humanity views the world around it. Few books are capable of grasping the attention of the whole world - and even few less can do it as significantly as Nietzsche did. It's a shame that Nietzsche did not write more of his books in a story format; the style in which it is written allows for Nietzsche's concepts to be perfectly expressed through metaphors and symbolism, which make this book a literary work of genius as well as a philosophical one. The story is drenched with hidden meanings. You can read it two-dozen times over, and still learn something new each time.
Even for those who are unfamiliar with Nietzsche's concepts, this book will still be an inspiring read - however, at some points in the book, Nietzsche does become what you might call "technical" as he gets into lengthy and tedious explanations of certain concepts. Those who are prepared for critically thinking during an intense read of hardcore philosophy will definitely be getting more out of this book than those who aren't. Yet, an above-average reader should have no problem reading this book with ease; Nietzsche doesn't get nearly as complex and intricate with his ideas asother philosophers (such as Kant, for example) but they are still somewhat complex nonetheless. I would not recommend reading this book to anyone who isn't willing to think deeply (I think 'deeply' is an understatement here). So keep that in mind before picking up Zarathustra. But for those who love philosophy, Zarathustra is an essential work that can't be missed. (show less)
I really liked part 1. Favorite quotes: "One requiteth a teacher badly if one remain merely a scholar. And why will ye not pluck at my wreath?
Ye ... (show more)
I really liked part 1. Favorite quotes: "One requiteth a teacher badly if one remain merely a scholar. And why will ye not pluck at my wreath?
Ye venerate me; but what if your veneration should some day collapse?
Take heed lest a statue crush you!" 23.3
34: "Let us SPEAK thereof, ye wisest ones, even though it be bad. To be
silent is worse; all suppressed truths become poisonous."
34: And this secret spake Life herself unto me. "Behold," said she, "I am
that WHICH MUST EVER SURPASS ITSELF/...verily, where
there is succumbing and leaf-falling, lo, there doth Life sacrifice
itself--for power! / That I have to be struggle, and becoming, and purpose, and
cross-purpose--ah, he who divineth my will, divineth well also on what
CROOKED paths it hath to tread!
56.26: It is the truth, however, that the good MUST be Pharisees--they have no
choice! / The good MUST crucify him who deviseth his own virtue! That IS the
truth! (show less)
Thus Spoke Zarathustra is Nietzsche's most poetic work of philosophy. The strong verses elicit a desire for change- a change from christian values which teach humility and servitude to individualistic values which teach strong will and the power of creation. A time will come when human kind takes up her will to power, so that she may live life with joy. Living a life of joy, she will be able to will life eternally, regretting nothing.
I don't think this book should be taken literally; becaus... (show more)
Thus Spoke Zarathustra is Nietzsche's most poetic work of philosophy. The strong verses elicit a desire for change- a change from christian values which teach humility and servitude to individualistic values which teach strong will and the power of creation. A time will come when human kind takes up her will to power, so that she may live life with joy. Living a life of joy, she will be able to will life eternally, regretting nothing.
I don't think this book should be taken literally; because we live in a society based on fairness and justice, an absolute will to power would be detrimental for all, even the creator. Yet, the reader should take Nietzsche's critique of western values seriously. The herd mentality, which is encouraged through christian teaching, has created a mass culture of passivity and ignorance. Becuase one does not have control over one's beliefs, one leaves them stagnant and unattested. Zarathustra preaches of the superman- a man who creates his own virtues and for that reason, is able to love life.
This philosophy allows one to embrace life for all that it offers. Most importantly, it does not glorify the spirit over the body, or heaven over earth. It is only through complete acceptance that one is able to take hold of her life and not limit herself. This is what one has to look forward to after god is dead. (show less)
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Amazing! A book for all: who are ready for it. A book for nobody: who does not want to wake up.
A stunning book that speaks about everything in life. It unveils the reality behind the surface. It talks about all types of people, types of behavior, thoughts. A truly philosophical book that leaves nothing in the dark.
Being very difficult to understand, this is not a book for the short ride in the bus. Each chapter of 3-5 pages is autonomous and speaks about an aspect of life. The author ... (show more)
Amazing! A book for all: who are ready for it. A book for nobody: who does not want to wake up.
A stunning book that speaks about everything in life. It unveils the reality behind the surface. It talks about all types of people, types of behavior, thoughts. A truly philosophical book that leaves nothing in the dark.
Being very difficult to understand, this is not a book for the short ride in the bus. Each chapter of 3-5 pages is autonomous and speaks about an aspect of life. The author speaks his opinions through Zarathustra, a hypothetical, enlightened person, who throws light on everything in the society that tries to cover and mock. The meanings described sometimes make no sense, but if you read carefully, everything in the book makes a sense. You may need to read each chapter 2-3 times before you can get an idea about what it is about. Generally the more ready you are, the more you will understand the book. Otherwise you will probably drop it as too tiring. For me, I was not able to read more than two chapters a day, the attention it requires would kill me.
If you manage to see everything in the world through the eyes of Zrathustra then the true self (or unself) of everything around you will unveil. There is no lie to believe after that, no small dwarfs that will appear as monsters in front of you. A dwarf is a dwarf and there are no monsters. This book is like a torch, a book of light. (show less)
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