Human, too human: A book for the free spirit

Author: (German) Friedrich Nietzsche
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: This book was written to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Voltaire's death, as well as stemming from the author's disillusionment with the once-admired composer Wagner. The entire work is written in aphoristic style and divided into two volumes. Volume consists of nine chapters, exploring fundamental questions about the world and life from various perspectives. The two parts of the second volume, "Notes and Prophesies" and "The Wanderer and His Shadow," continue the author's comprehensive critique of the Western metaphysical tradition and its influence on Western culture, which began in the first volume. On one hand, the author affirms the positive aspects of human nature, hoping to uncover human potential and make humanity better. On the other hand, he delivers sharp satire and criticism toward human weaknesses and flaws, especially those formed under the Western cultural tradition. The author places hope in the "free spirit"—that is, individuals who can transcend traditional modes of thinking and moral concepts and think freely.