The Portable Nietzsche Book Review

May 27, 2023

“The Portable Nietzsche” is a collection of writings by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. The book was compiled and edited by Walter Kaufmann, a professor of philosophy at Princeton University. The book contains a selection of Nietzsche’s most important and influential works, including “Thus Spoke Zarathustra,” “Beyond Good and Evil,” and “The Genealogy of Morals.”

The book is divided into several sections, each of which contains a different set of Nietzsche’s writings. The first section, titled “The Nietzschean Self,” contains writings on the concept of the self and the individual. Nietzsche believed that the individual was the most important unit of society and that the pursuit of individual excellence was the key to a fulfilling life.

The second section, titled “The Will to Power,” contains writings on the concept of power. Nietzsche believed that the will to power was the driving force behind human behavior and that individuals should to become the most powerful version of themselves.

The third section, titled “Nietzsche’s Critique of Religion,” contains writings on religion and its role in society. Nietzsche was a harsh critic of religion, believing that it was a tool used by those in power to control the masses. He argued that individuals should reject traditional religious beliefs and create their own values and beliefs.

The final section, titled “Nietzsche’s Critique of Culture,” contains writings on culture and its role in society. Nietzsche believed that culture was a product of the individual and that individuals should strive to create their own culture rather than conforming to the culture of society.

Overall, “The Portable Nietzsche” is an excellent introduction to Nietzsche’s philosophy. The book provides a comprehensive overview of Nietzsche’s most important ideas and provides readers with a deep understanding of his philosophy. The book is well-written and easy to read, making it accessible to both students and general readers. If you are interested in philosophy or want to learn more about Nietzsche’s ideas, “The Portable Nietzsche” is a must-read.