When Nietzsche Cried

Author: [USA] Irvin D. Yalom
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-04-01
Features: Generally, the public's perception is: "Psychology is the use of complex and obscure language to explain simple life principles." However, the psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and existentialist philosopher Irvin D. Yalom is the opposite. He strives to explain the concepts and processes of psychotherapy and existential philosophy in a simple and easy-to-understand way, making people realize that these concepts and processes are the focal points and central themes of everyone's life, worth caring about and pursuing as "lifelong matters." One of the ways he conveys this is by writing psychological therapy novels. This novel, in terms of its plot, is a psychological thriller with a compelling narrative. The author pseudonymously uses two masters from the late 19th century: the existentialist master Nietzsche and the medical master Breuer. Through the real history, thought concepts, and personality traits presented in historical records and classic works, he connects the two as a doctor and a patient, beginning an exciting "talk therapy." The story begins with the renowned doctor Breuer, trapped in his own fantasies about his patient's lust and unable to break free, being tempted by the skillful manipulator Louise Salomé. He attempts to treat the "despair" of the philosopher master Nietzsche, who is fundamentally unwilling to accept help, and convinces Nietzsche to undergo therapy with peculiar bait.