This is the third book I've read of Nietzsche's. The first was a collection from various writings, and the second was "The Anti-Christ." Beyond Good and Evil was Nietzsche's attempt to summarize his entire philosophy into one book. I don't know if I'd ever call anything Nietzsche wrote a summary, but this book does lay out his principles in black-and-white, and it did help me put some of the pieces together.
Below are a few of my takeaways. It's not a summary, because I don't even know if that's possible. So I just wanted to share a few things I've picked up on.
On the will to power:
If modern (nineteenth century) man is no longer going to believe in God, or at least if they're going to tone down His influence a bit, the next logical step for them was the concept of free will. In a post-enlightenment world, people were trying to understand if there really is a God pulling our strings like puppets. If they weren't going to believe that, the next logical step was free will. Nietzsche rejects free will and instead believes in the will to power. Essentially the will to power is his phrase that means people should aim to take power over themselves and create a "superman" or "overman" out of themselves. Nietzsche sees this as an alternative to the concept of free will.
On religion -
Another thing that I noticed about Nietzsche after reading a fair bit of his work is that, as critical as he is of Christianity, he seems to have a bit of an affinity for Buddhism, or at least the principles of Buddhism. Buddhism's primary concept is "life is suffering," right? Nietzsche writes extensively about suffering as well, arguing in part that the cause of all great human advancement is suffering. In the Anti-Christ, he often points out that Buddhism is better than Christianity. To be fair, there was a pretty short list of things that weren't better than Christianity, according to Nietzsche.
I love the short epigrams and how Nietzsche is capable of concentrating so much meaning into such few words-
"Blessed be the forgetful: for they forget their stupidities, too."
"Whoever reaches his ideal transcends 'eo ipso.'"
"'Where the tree of knowledge stands, there is always Paradise': thus speak the oldest and the youngest serpents."
*eo ipso = thereby
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Enter your mobile phone or email address
Processing your request...
By pressing "Send link," you agree to Amazon's Conditions of Use.
You consent to receive an automated text message from or on behalf of Amazon about the Kindle App at your mobile number above. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message & data rates may apply.
Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Audible Holiday Deal
Save 46% on your first 4 months. Get this deal
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2018
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2019
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2020
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2021
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2019
Verified Purchase
Horrible Condition
By Kim B on February 23, 2019
I just received this book, opened the package and this book is damaged. It looks like it's had coffee spilled on almost half of the pages, I'm guessing it's old water damage. Horrible condition!
By Kim B on February 23, 2019
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2021
Verified Purchase
The greatest
By JD on August 12, 2021
Just received this item, excellent conditions, very legible print. After reading Zarathustra I was perplexed by Nietzsche, his writing skills are nothing short of sublime, the most important thinker of the 20th century for me. By the way, read all the Walter Kaufmann’s translations of Nietzsche’s books, he captured and stayed as close as you can be to the original German writings.
By JD on August 12, 2021
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Scott
Tough read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2019Verified Purchase
Graham Cammock
Elegant and beautiful.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2021Verified Purchase
Satish Suthar
For Penguin Classics version
Reviewed in India on March 21, 2021Verified Purchase
ivan
Quick delivery. Great quality.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 30, 2020Verified Purchase
Meriam
Good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 5, 2021Verified Purchase
