I remember reading a lot into how Neitzsche's writing influenced a lot of points in Hitler's "Mein Kampf," but in actuality he was the farthest from antisemitic. He has been quoted saying, "all anti-semites should be shot." While he did criticize the religion, he also criticized Christianity for it's slave mentality. I see the slave aspect much more in Christianity, but again both of those religions sprouted during times where the average lifespan was 1/3rd what it is today and the average person was a poor destitute farmer or worker with a large (6-7 children) family. Having something to keep one's mind of such a dreary existence was a principle part of life and has been for even those religions outside the western Europe.
The fearless blonde warrior was an allegory to a lion, the lion within us...
In the end, his family were very antisemitic and when Nietzsche died, his work was altered to suit the purpose of those who wanted to read it. This happens more often than not as well. There are countless posthumous autobiographies with chunks of the author's life removed to save face; there are the same where things have been added to make one look like they were a key player in the former's life.
It really all boils down to how writings evoke you; if you enjoy something like "Mein Kampf" yet didn't take away the underline message, it doesn't make you a Nazi, it just makes you someone who can read inbetween the lines. So in summation, books aren't bad, those who alter and destroy them are!
The fearless blonde warrior was an allegory to a lion, the lion within us...
In the end, his family were very antisemitic and when Nietzsche died, his work was altered to suit the purpose of those who wanted to read it. This happens more often than not as well. There are countless posthumous autobiographies with chunks of the author's life removed to save face; there are the same where things have been added to make one look like they were a key player in the former's life.
It really all boils down to how writings evoke you; if you enjoy something like "Mein Kampf" yet didn't take away the underline message, it doesn't make you a Nazi, it just makes you someone who can read inbetween the lines. So in summation, books aren't bad, those who alter and destroy them are!
I've never actually studied Neitzsche, but lately i've been hearing more and more about his work and philosophies. I agree with his criticisms on religion; if there were no religions, many of the worlds worst catastrophes would never have happened. I'm not saying that something wouldn't have taken it's place; humans always create fictions, in themselves or their enemies, in order to fuel some type of war. Great article.
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