Thus Spake Zarthustra?

Question

Ive read afew times - Liked it - not sure I understood it.
Whats the deal with this, what he trying to say ?

Beyond good and evil never made it any clearer either ?

What are some of the key points hes making here ?

In a nutshell - dont go mad. Keep it simple.

grinning ape - I said keep it simple - but your taking the p*ss intya ? lol !

Answer 1

For the record, in most college philosophy classes, the students' first introduction to Nietzsche is the Gay Science. Nietzsche wrote that, and then Also Sprach Zarathustra (the literal translation would be Thus spoke Zoroaster :) ) If you are having difficulty breaking into Nietzsche, try reading the Gay Science first. I found that, despite being a book on philosophy, it was a very accessible book.

The primary theme of ASZ is an exploration of the Ubermensch. The key points that he is making "in a nutshell"

-That humans are a transitional animal between Apes and the Overmen

-The Overman is the one who has attained Self-Mastery. One who does not need the concept of good (divine rewards) or evil (eternal punishment) to do the right thing. He is constantly seeking dominion, not over others, but over himself, always striving to improve himself, to better himself.

-It is only by transitioning into the Overman that mankind will avoid Nihilism

-That Christianity stands as a detriment to the rise of the Overman. Particularly the fact that The Christian system of ethics are based on arbitrary rules wholly dependent on the existence of God. Without God, Christian ethics are not valid.

-Belief in the thereafter is a lie, a drug told to make people complacent, sapping men of their will and drive.

Answer 2

Nietzsche himself said in a later work that the very core of that book lies in what's often called 'the Theory of Eternal Return' - the idea that the 'afterlife' consists of nothing more or less than repeating your own life over and over again exactly.

Now, I'm not sure he means even that idea literally, but it seems to have a number of interesting implications. To (as you ask) hit the 'key points':

- There is no justice beyond death. To wait and hope for such is to never live in the first place.
- The greatest people are competing not against others, but against themselves. Self-betterment is an ideal goal.
- What you would like to have happen is meaningless. What you actually do make happen is vital.
- A well-lived life is its own reward, and a poorly-lived one is its own punishment.

That's my take anway. I'm sure you can pull more threads from the work... it's VERY dense! Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Modernity rejected divine revelation as a source or ground for epistemology and ethics, proposing in the place of revelation, human rationality alone. This modern emphasis has also failed, as such there is now no ground for epistemology or ethics other than an act of our own will. This is a summation in the most rudimentary way of what Neitzsche is saying.

Answer 4

I've read "Zarathustra," and I'd say it's a pretty heavy read for someone in the 8th grade. Give it until your last years in high school at least, when you've had a bit more experience of life (and increased your vocabulary!).

Answer 5

Here is the wikipedia meaning/explanation. Plus a study guide.

Answer 6

Try watching 2001: A Space Odyssey. If you can understand that film, you'll have no problem.

Answer 7

Man is something to be surpassed; you must become a Superman.

Good luck!

Answer 8

It would have been clearer if he had spoked. I know about bicycles.