Friedrich Nietzsche | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : February 05, 2025

Who is Friedrich Nietzsche?

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, born on October 15, 1844, in Röcken bei Lützen, Prussia, was a profound German philosopher whose writings have significantly influenced modern thought. Orphaned at a young age, Nietzsche was raised by his mother and sister, and he showcased an early aptitude for classical studies. He began his academic journey at the University of Bonn and later transferred to the University of Leipzig, where his interests in philology and philosophy blossomed, particularly under the influence of Arthur Schopenhauer and composer Richard Wagner.

Despite a successful start as a professor of classical philology at the University of Basel in 1869, Nietzsche's health deteriorated, leading him to resign in 1879. Over the next decade, he produced numerous seminal works, including "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" and "Beyond Good and Evil." Nietzsche's philosophy challenged conventional morality, famously declaring that "God is dead," and introduced the concept of the "Übermensch," which emphasized individuality and self-overcoming. His legacy is marked by both his profound insights into existence and the controversial misinterpretations of his work in the 20th century.

Early Life and Education

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche was born on October 15, 1844, in the small Prussian village of Röcken bei Lützen, Germany. He entered a world shaped by his father's role as a Lutheran preacher. However, tragedy struck early in his life when his father passed away when Nietzsche was just four years old. Along with his younger sister, Elisabeth, he was raised by their mother, Franziska, who took on the daunting task of nurturing two young minds. This early loss instilled in Nietzsche a sense of solitude, which would later influence his philosophical outlook on individuality and existence.

Nietzsche’s academic journey began in private preparatory school in Naumburg, followed by a classical education at the prestigious Schulpforta school. Upon graduation in 1864, he enrolled at the University of Bonn but soon transferred to the University of Leipzig, where he found his passion in philology, an interdisciplinary field combining literature, linguistics, and history. During his time in Leipzig, Nietzsche was profoundly affected by the writings of philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer. The budding friendship with composer Richard Wagner further defined his formative years, as he admired Wagner's music, even while it led to later philosophical divergences. These early life experiences and educational influences laid the groundwork for Nietzsche's later, groundbreaking ideas on morality and individuality.

Teaching and Writing in the 1870s

Friedrich Nietzsche's teaching and writing career took a crucial turn in the 1870s when he accepted a professorship in classical philology at the University of Basel in Switzerland in 1869. This position enabled him to explore his deepening interests in literature, linguistics, and the underlying values of modern civilization. During his years at Basel, Nietzsche published significant works, including "The Birth of Tragedy" in 1872, which examined the interplay between ancient Greek tragedy and the emergence of new artistic forms. His book "Human, All Too Human," published in 1878, marked a pivotal shift in his thought, displaying a departure from classical scholarship and a growing critique of established moral frameworks.

As Nietzsche's intellectual pursuits evolved, he gradually distanced himself from the philosophical currents espoused by Arthur Schopenhauer and, notably, distanced from his friend Richard Wagner, despite initially being enamored by his music. This period also witnessed Nietzsche's struggles with health, which culminated in a nervous disorder that led to his resignation from Basel in 1879. Despite these challenges, the 1870s were foundational for his philosophical development, setting the stage for the groundbreaking ideas that would emerge in his later works. Nietzsche's introspection during this decade foreshadowed his bold proclamations about morality and existence, characteristics that would define his legacy.

Literary and Philosophical Work of the 1880s

Friedrich Nietzsche’s literary and philosophical work during the 1880s marked a pivotal period in his career, characterized by deep introspection and prolific writing. In this decade, he produced some of his most well-known works, including "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," which was published in four volumes between 1883 and 1885. This work is particularly significant for its exploration of themes such as the "will to power" and the notion of the Übermensch, or "over-man," an idealized individual who transcends traditional moral boundaries. Nietzsche’s writing style evolved during this time, becoming more poetic and aphoristic, which further enhanced the reader's engagement with his complex ideas.

In addition to "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," Nietzsche penned several other influential texts, including "Beyond Good and Evil" (1886) and "The Genealogy of Morals" (1887). These works delve into the critique of established moral values and the implications of divine morality on human existence. Nietzsche argued for a reevaluation of ethics based on life-affirming principles rather than religious doctrine. His declaration that "God is dead" succinctly encapsulated his view that traditional belief systems were no longer sufficient in an increasingly secular society. Through his writings in the 1880s, Nietzsche fundamentally challenged the intellectual landscape of his time and laid the groundwork for existentialist thought.

Later Years and Death

Friedrich Nietzsche's later years were marked by personal tragedy and significant mental decline. In 1889, while living in Turin, Italy, Nietzsche experienced a severe collapse that led to a state of insanity. The specific causes of his mental health issues remain uncertain, with theories ranging from syphilis and an inherited brain disorder to a brain tumor and the overuse of sedative medications. This collapse effectively ended his ability to write and engage with the world, leaving him in a prolonged mental incapacitation that would last for the remainder of his life.

Following his collapse, Nietzsche was placed in an asylum where he received treatment and care. Afterward, he returned to the care of his mother in Naumburg and subsequently lived under the supervision of his sister, Elisabeth, in Weimar, Germany. His condition continued to deteriorate during this period, and he became increasingly detached from reality. Nietzsche passed away on August 25, 1900, in Weimar, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly impacted philosophy and art, despite his tragic decline in mental health during his final years.

Personal Life: Writings on Relationships and Family

Friedrich Nietzsche's personal life was characterized by complex relationships that often influenced his philosophical writings. Growing up in a strictly religious household, with his father passing away when he was just four years old, Nietzsche had a complicated relationship with his family. His mother, Franziska, and his younger sister, Elisabeth, played significant roles in his upbringing. While Nietzsche valued independence and often critiqued conventional family structures, his bond with Elisabeth later became strained, particularly regarding her alignment with nationalist ideologies that starkly contrasted with his philosophical views.

Nietzsche's relationships with peers also shaped his thoughts on individuality and morality. Notably, his friendship with composer Richard Wagner was initially influential, as it introduced him to the intersection of art and philosophy. However, Nietzsche eventually distanced himself from Wagner, reflecting his evolving beliefs about culture and society. Throughout his works, he tackled themes of isolation and the existential struggle within interpersonal relationships, encouraging readers to seek self-authenticity beyond societal expectations. His exploration of relationships in his writings offers profound insights into human connection, showcasing the tension between personal desire and societal norms.

Net Worth and Earning: Context of His Literary Career

Friedrich Nietzsche's net worth and earnings during his literary career are challenging to quantify, primarily because he was not financially successful in his lifetime. Although he held a respected position as a professor of classical philology at the University of Basel, his salary was modest and did not greatly contribute to his wealth. Nietzsche's literary works, including significant titles like "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" and "Beyond Good and Evil," were not commercially fruitful during his lifetime; many of his writings were published with small print runs and received limited attention initially.

As his philosophy evolved and began to gain traction toward the end of his life, Nietzsche was often reliant on financial support from friends and family. This reliance exacerbated his financial struggles, as he faced declining health and increasing isolation. Consequently, while his ideas would later become foundational in various fields, including philosophy and psychology, they did not translate into substantial earnings or wealth for Nietzsche himself, revealing a poignant contrast between the value of his intellectual contributions and his personal financial circumstances.