How Friedrich Nietzsche Changed My Life!
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As a young boy living in London over a decade ago, being 16 years of age was a difficult period. Growing up in a world without purpose, I had to create purpose myself. That meant I began a journey reading many books on various subjects.
I stumbled across Philsophy, especially Ancient Greek texts such as 'The Republic'. And Inevitably Friedrich Nietzsche showed himself, and I was never the same again.
Friedrich Nietzsche's writing appeared controversial at first, especially on topics covering Christianity and women. However, over time I began to grow fond of Nietzsche's style and opinions.
A book of Nietzsche's titled 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra' was the major turning point for me. The concepts expressed on the 'Superman' expanded my perspective on life, and opened my eyes to human nature.
As a young boy reading Nietzsche, I grew fonder of his books, and would even recommend his writing to friends. This proved difficult, as many viewed Nietzsche as an eccentric mad man. But my answer would always be, "Don't judge a book by its cover".
Nietzsche often described himself as a posthumous writer, and I guess he was right, because he's regarded as one of the major figures in Modern Philosophy.
Philosophy wouldn't be the same without Nietzsche; he liberates the minds of all his readers. His concepts and ideas allow us to live a life more honestly with ourselves, and each other.
This is a refreshing post to read.
I thought it interesting that you wrote , "growing up in a world without purpose...," as I had assumed that the generation which came after me had much more purpose than my own pre-internet, pre-obsession targets and exams generation. In my own generation, I think we had much more opportunity to express ourselves and were encouraged to expand our minds through reading by our teachers.
I can see now that the 90s and noughties must have been a difficult time to have grown up in. It was a period of change and instability. Things which have only increased in this decade!