
German
Philosopher
15 Oct 1844
25 Aug 1900
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche was born on October 15, 1844, in Röcken, Prussia. The foundation of his philosophical inquiry was laid during his studies in classical philology at the University of Leipzig, which subsequently led him to delve deeper into existential and ethical questions. Throughout the 1870s and 1880s, Nietzsche articulated a series of critiques against traditional European morality and religion, emphasizing the inherent will to power in all individuals and the necessity to transcend conventional values.
Among his most renowned concepts are the "Übermensch" (often translated as "Superman" or "Overman"), a symbol of individual self-mastery and creativity; the idea of "eternal recurrence," suggesting the universe's cyclical nature; and his proclamation that "God is dead," a critique on the decline of religious authority in modern society. Though his later life was marred by mental illness and he passed away on August 25, 1900, Nietzsche's influence has been undying. His writings, dense with aphorisms and insights, have shaped existentialism, post-modernism, and countless other philosophical movements, continually urging humanity to reevaluate its deepest beliefs and values.