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Nietzsche: Genius of the Heart
"Genius of the Heart" recounts the tragic conditions of Nietzsche's life -- sickness, loneliness, oblivion -- and demonstrates how his philosophical ideas were crafted as responses to them. In the end, we find that Nietzsche faced down these demons and created for himself a life for which he was eternally grateful. From studying this courageous effort, we can begin to think about how we might face the conditions of our lives today. Written for the educated layperson, no previous acquaintance with Nietzsche or with philosophy in general is presumed.
- GenresPhilosophy
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
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December 19, 2025I can't believe it! This author has exactly the right perspective, to my way of thinking, and puts everything exactly as I would!
October 28, 2016
This was really a great book. In the details of Nietzsche's personal life (esp. his awful health issues and family situation), one can gain so much better an understanding of his philosophy. Nietzsche is the greatest. Book was illuminating. Highly recommend it.
January 14, 2019
I am not a philosopher, but have read philosophy books for about 20-ish years.
The author is an expert on Spinoza but then moved into Nietzsche as a professional study. He does an excellent job of placing Nietzsche's writings into the events of Nietzsche's life. You get a feel for the development of his ideas resulting from his education, friendships, disappointments, and lost love.
The presentation of Nietzsche's philosophical writings is honest and friendly to Nietzsche's intent. The final 'Coda' of the book examines both the shortcomings of the ill-defined political agenda, which was misappropriated into the horrors of facist German nationalism, and the positive intentions of an equally ill-defined personal agenda, which wants us to destroy our metaphysical idols and live life in this world towards triumphal health.
I definitely recommend the book to anyone looking to dive into Nietzsche for the first time or for a good contextual review of his writings and life.
I also recommend Christians (particularly pastors) to get a good understanding of someone whom they vilify and sometimes quote without understanding.
The author is an expert on Spinoza but then moved into Nietzsche as a professional study. He does an excellent job of placing Nietzsche's writings into the events of Nietzsche's life. You get a feel for the development of his ideas resulting from his education, friendships, disappointments, and lost love.
The presentation of Nietzsche's philosophical writings is honest and friendly to Nietzsche's intent. The final 'Coda' of the book examines both the shortcomings of the ill-defined political agenda, which was misappropriated into the horrors of facist German nationalism, and the positive intentions of an equally ill-defined personal agenda, which wants us to destroy our metaphysical idols and live life in this world towards triumphal health.
I definitely recommend the book to anyone looking to dive into Nietzsche for the first time or for a good contextual review of his writings and life.
I also recommend Christians (particularly pastors) to get a good understanding of someone whom they vilify and sometimes quote without understanding.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews