Publisher Description
"The Story of Philosophy: Friedrich Nietzsche" by Will Durant provides an insightful exploration into the life, ideas, and enduring influence of Friedrich Nietzsche, one of the most provocative and impactful philosophers of the 19th century. Durant presents Nietzsche as a complex thinker whose revolutionary concepts challenged conventional morality, religion, and the nature of human existence.
Durant traces Nietzsche’s biography, from his early life in Germany, his academic career, and his profound struggles with health issues that ultimately led to his mental decline. Despite these challenges, Nietzsche produced a body of work that questioned the foundations of Western thought and introduced new philosophical paradigms.
Central to Nietzsche's philosophy is the idea of the "Übermensch" (Overman or Superman), a figure who transcends traditional values to create new ones. Durant explains Nietzsche's critique of Christianity and traditional morality, encapsulated in his famous declaration that "God is dead," which posits that modern society must confront the implications of a world without divine order.
Durant also explores Nietzsche's concepts of the "will to power" and "eternal recurrence," elucidating how these ideas reflect Nietzsche's vision of life as an ongoing struggle for individual self-overcoming and growth.
By presenting Nietzsche’s challenging ideas in an accessible manner, Durant captures the essence of Nietzsche's critique of culture and his vision for human potential. "The Story of Philosophy: Friedrich Nietzsche" is an essential read for those seeking to understand the radical and transformative impact of Nietzsche's thought on philosophy, literature, and modern culture.
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About Will Durant
Will Durant (1885–1981) was an award-winning American writer, historian, and philosopher. He and his wife were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for General Nonfiction in 1968 for Rousseau and Revolution, and he was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Durant spent over forty years writing the critically acclaimed eleven-volume Story of Civilization, the later volumes with the help of his wife, Ariel. He sought
to revitalize history by unifying and humanizing the great body of historical
knowledge, which had become voluminous and fragmented into esoteric
subcategories. He also strove to bring
philosophy to the common man. Durant was a champion of human rights, social reform, and the brotherhood of man long before they became well-known issues.
About Peter Coates
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Effing Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Princess Diana, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson, and received an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.