Friedrich Nietzsche

Who is he? Famous German philosopher Born: October 15th, 1844 in Rocken Father was a Lutheran pastor His father and brother died months apart and the family moved moved to Naumburg an der Saale. From the ages of 14-19, Nietzsche attended a first-rate boarding school, Schulpforta.The teenage Nietzsche read David Strauss's controversial Life of Jesus Critically Examined. Was influenced by German philosophers Arthur Schophauer and Friedrich Albert. Was a professor of classic philology in the University of Basel but had to quit due to health problems Began traveling around Europe and became an independent philosopher 1889 had a psychotic break which eventually led to mental illness had at least two strokes 1900 contracted pneumonia and had a stroke which killed him Died: August 25, 1900 in Weimar

Relationship with Existentialism Not techinically an existentialist but focused on a number of key themes which would later become the focus of existential philosophers. Nietzsche’s existential philosophy included such things as: Popularized the idea that God is dead. Insisted that without God, life is meaningless. Was convinced that Christian virtues made weak people. That meekness was a liability. Did not believe in values or truth. Personal power was essential. Believed good and evil kept the world as it was and in a state of eternal recurrence The principle of eternal return would become one of the foundations of existentialism Convinced that a person only lives once and then they exist no longer so they must be aggressive in living the short life they have.

How he is a key world figure Controversial ideology. Gained popularity from Thus Spoke Zarathustra German expressionism was inspired by Nietzsche's philosophy of art

How he is a key world figure Inspiration for right-wing German militarism. Thus Spoke Zarathustra given to soldiers along with the bible. 20 th Century political leaders, such as Hitler and Mussolini, were influenced by his ideas Negatively impacted reputation. Influenced several prominent European philosophers – they rehabilitated his reputation as a philosopher.

Key beliefs and general philosyphy Morality: "Campaign against Morality"; He calls himself an "immoralist" and harshly criticizes the prominent moral schemes of his day: Christianity,Kantianism, and Utilitarianism. The death of God, nihilism, and perspectivism: the death of God may lead beyond bare perspectivism to outright nihilism, the belief that nothing has any importance and that life lacks purpose. The Will to Power: "the principle of the synthesis of forces." Übermensch: means "human being" – as superman, superhuman, or overman The principle of Eternal Return: also known as "eternal recurrence", is a concept stating that the universe has been recurring, and will continue to recur in a self-similar form, for an infinite number of times.

TRIVIA Believed that all people should strive to be a superman. Atheist Many people believe his madness was caused by syphilis