Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None (Also sprach Zarathustra: Ein Buch für Alle und Keinen), is a work of philosophical fiction written by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche
November 2023 – June 2024
This book defies gravity in its impact, though my experience reading it was both a joy and a challenge to endure.
I felt the author’s genius pulling me in, transforming me into a disciple of the titular character as I delved deeper into its pages.
The proclamation that ‘God is dead, and we killed him’ sent shivers down my spine, as the author’s elaborations revealed the profound ongoing implications of these words in today’s world. He expressed a profound love for life and worldly things, advocating for brotherhood and community while also extolling the virtues of solitude for communion with nature and oneself—a radical individualism.
But what resonated most with me was the underlying joy in his philosophy, often misunderstood. It advocates for a will to live even in the face of tragedy and a world devoid of meaning, and to transcend traditional notions of good and evil. He challenges humanity to surpass itself, to strive and even find humor in the struggle, to prove worthy of the metaphorical murder of God and perhaps pave the way for the Overman (Übermensch).
I sensed a subtle invitation to harness a power that could resurrect a personal deity, not defined by commandments but by personal will—their own ‘God,’ if you will. It took me six months to navigate this book (with many re-reads), and I’m certain I’ll return to it many more times.
In this review, I’ve barely scratched the surface of Nietzsche’s profound insights, and I highly recommend engaging directly with his thoughts through this book. He’s an unconventional companion, but an immensely rewarding one.
Reading this, I truly felt I had encountered a masterpiece.
Little Borrowers 