Background and Early Life

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) was a German philologist, philosopher, and cultural critic who wrote several critical texts on religion, culture, morality, philosophy, and science.  He was born in Röcken, the Prussian province of Saxony, and his father died of a brain illness when he was only 5.  He spent most of his childhood with his mother, sister, and two aunts.  Nietzsche excelled in religious studies, German literature, and classical studies and was even awarded a scholarship to go to preparatory school to train for the clergy.  From an early age, Nietzsche suffered from migraines that troubled him throughout his entire life.  After finishing school, Nietzsche went and served in the army.  However, his time with the army was short due to his lingering illnesses.  After leaving the army, he moved to the University of Basel where he became the chair of classical philology at the age of 24 (Friedrich Nietzsche Biography, 2012).

 In 1872, Nietzsche published his first book, Die Geburt der Tragödie aus dem Geist der Musik (The Birth of Tragedy).  In his book, Nietzsche “diagnosed that human beings are subject to Dionysian instincts — unconscious desires, impulses, or overwhelmingly self-destructive tendencies” (Friedrich Nietzsche Biography, 2012).  He believed most people were like the Greeks, petty people who are constantly seeking self-affirmation.  While his book was not widely accepted at the time,  his ideas were revolutionary since they created new imbalances within society.  Most people disregarded his opinion, but there were some people who did begin to question formerly accepted beliefs.  This book did create an imbalance of opinions and created some controversy but mainly this book provided valuable insight on human behavior. 

 

 

 

Sources:

Foto H.-P.Haack. (2008). Nietzsche, Friedrich: Die Geburt der Tragödie aus dem Geiste der Musk. Leipzig: E. W. Fritzsch 1872, 143 Seiten. Titelblatt des Erstdrucke. [Digital Image]. Retrieved from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Friedrich_Nietzsche_1872.jpg. Available under Creative Commons Attribution.

Friedrich Nietzsche Biography. (2012, January). Retrieved from European Graduate School- Graduate and Postgraduate Studies: http://www.egs.edu/library/friedrich-nietzsche/biography/