Friedrich Nietzsche is one of the most popular and controversial philosophers. This book shows us that, in fact, the 'real' Nietzsche has tremendous value for the modern seeker and is not the dark figure some have made him. It brings out Nietzsche's view of a successful inner life, the notion of 'passionate inwardness', and deep emotions.
Friedrich Nietzsche is one of the most popular and controversial philosophers of the last 150 years. Narcissistic, idiosyncratic, hyperbolic, irreverent--never has a philosopher been appropriated, deconstructed, and scrutinized by such a disparate array of groups, movements, and schools of thought. Adored by many for his passionate ideas and iconoclastic style, he is also vilified for his lack of rigor, apparent cruelty, and disdain for moral decency.
In Living with Nietzsche, Solomon suggests that we read Nietzsche from a very different point of view, as a provocative writer who means to transform the way we view our lives. This means taking Nietzsche personally. Rather than focus on the "true" Nietzsche or trying to determine "what Nietzsche really meant" by his seemingly random and often contradictory pronouncements about "the Big Questions" of philosophy, Solomon reminds us that Nietzsche is not a philosopher of abstract ideas but rather of the dazzling personal insight, the provocative challenge, the incisive personal probe. He does not try to reveal the eternal verities but he does powerfully affect his readers, goading them to see themselves in new and different ways. It is Nietzsche's compelling invitation to self-scrutiny that fascinates us, engages us, and guides us to a "rich inner life." Ultimately, Solomon argues, Nietzsche is an example as well as a promulgator of "passionate inwardness," a life distinguished by its rich passions, exquisite taste, and a sense of personal elegance and excellence.
This book reflects Solomon's long engagement with Nietzsche, drawing not only upon his previously published works but also on a range of student reactions to Nietzsche and a life of reading Nietzsche , culling favorite passages that resonate in different contexts, and changing opinions concerning doctrines.this book is pleasantly conversational and may be useful for those who are attracted by Nietzsche's passion but find the doctrines of the will to power or the Ubermensch hard to love with.
