Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche (1883-1885)

"God is dead." The prophet Zarathustra descends from his mountain to teach humanity about the Übermensch (Superman), the eternal recurrence, and the will to power. Nietzsche's most ambitious and poetic work — part philosophy, part prophecy, part prose poem.

Historical Significance:
Nietzsche wrote Zarathustra in intense bursts of inspiration between 1883 and 1885, while wandering through Italy and Switzerland in near-poverty and failing health. He described Part One as having been written in just ten days. The book sold almost nothing during his lifetime — his sister later claimed he printed 40 copies of Part Four at his own expense.

Zarathustra's influence after Nietzsche's death in 1900 was enormous — and often disastrously misinterpreted. The Nazis appropriated the concept of the Übermensch for their racial ideology, which Nietzsche would have despised (he broke with Wagner over anti-Semitism). Properly understood, the Übermensch is an individual who creates their own values rather than following inherited morality. Richard Strauss' tone poem (1896) and Stanley Kubrick's use of it in 2001: A Space Odyssey made the opening bars among the most recognizable music in the world.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1883-1885. Free to read and share.