Definition

Proper noun: - A 19th-century German philosopher: Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche was a highly influential thinker known for his radical critique of traditional European morality, religion, and philosophy. His key ideas include the concepts of the "Übermensch" (often translated as "Superman" or "Overman"), the "will to power," the declaration that "God is dead," and the revaluation of all values. He is considered, alongside Søren Kierkegaard, a foundational figure in existentialist thought.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The works of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche continue to provoke intense debate in philosophical circles.
  • Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche argued that traditional Christian morality was a "slave morality."
  • Many modern thinkers have been influenced by the ideas of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche.

Advanced Usage

• "Nietzschean" (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche.
  • His critique of democracy was deeply Nietzschean in its skepticism of herd mentality.

Variants and Related Words

• Nietzsche (n): The common shortened form of the philosopher's surname.
  • Nietzsche's book "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" is a central text of his philosophy.
• Nietzscheanism (n): The body of philosophical thought derived from Nietzsche's work.
• Anti-Nietzschean (adj): Opposed to or critical of Nietzsche's philosophy.

Synonyms

• The philosopher Nietzsche: A common referential synonym.
• The author of "Beyond Good and Evil": A descriptive synonym referencing one of his major works.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "What does not kill me makes me stronger": A famous aphorism originating from Nietzsche's work ("Twilight of the Idols").
  • After recovering from the setback, she lived by the Nietzschean idea that what does not kill you makes you stronger.
• "God is dead": A central Nietzschean phrase signifying the collapse of the metaphysical and moral foundations of Western culture.
  • The character's crisis of faith was a direct confrontation with the Nietzschean proclamation that "God is dead."

Noun

1. influential German philosopher remembered for his concept of the superman and for his rejection of Christian values; considered, along with Kierkegaard, to be a founder of existentialism (1844-1900)