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'The profoundest book there is, born from the innermost richness of truth, an inexhaustible well into which no bucket descends without coming up with gold and goodness.' Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1885) was Nietzsche's own favourite among all his books and has proved to be his most popular, having sold millions of copies in many different languages. In it he addresses the problem of how to live a fulfilling life in a world without meaning, in the aftermath of 'the death of God'. Nietzsche's solution lies in the idea of eternal recurrence which he calls 'the highest formula of affirmation that can ever be attained'. A successful engagement with this profoundly Dionysian idea enables us to choose clearly among the myriad possibilities that existence offers, and thereby to affirm every moment of our lives with others on this 'sacred' earth. This translation of Zarathustra (the first new English version for over forty years) conveys the musicality of the original German, and for the first time annotates the abundance of allusions to the Bible and other classic texts with which Nietzsche's masterpiece is in conversation. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
The prophet Zarathustra descends from his mountain solitude to share his wisdom with humanity, initiating a radical revaluation of all values. Zarathustra seeks to teach mankind about the Overman, the death of God, and the concept of eternal recurrence. He faces resistance from a society clinging to traditional morality and religious dogma, forcing him to refine his message through parables and speeches. The narrative framework utilizes a semi-fictional, prophetic style that blends philosophical discourse with poetic imagery to challenge the reader's perception of existence.
Readers and critics often describe this work as a complex synthesis of poetry and rigorous philosophical inquiry. Discussion frequently centers on the difficulty of interpreting Nietzsche's metaphorical language and the practical application of his existential theories. Many highlight the rhythmic, musical quality of the prose, which distinguishes it from standard philosophical treatises. The text remains a subject of intense debate regarding its influence on modern thought and its controversial interpretations throughout history. Readers often note that the work requires multiple readings to fully grasp the nuances of its central arguments.
Page Count:
380
Publication Date:
2008-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191623075
ISBN-13:
9780191623073
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