Friedrich Nietzsche

"Friedrich Nietzsche" by Georg Brandes is a biographical analysis written in the early 20th century. This work examines the life and intellectual contributions of Nietzsche, focusing on his development as a philosopher and his critique of societal norms and morality. Brandes highlights Nietzsche’s radical thoughts on culture, morality, and individuality, portraying him as a critical voice in German literature. At the start of the text, Brandes introduces Friedrich Nietzsche as an essential yet underappreciated figure in German literature, emphasizing his unique aptitude for provoking thought and debate. The author outlines Nietzsche's early academic career and literary milestones, touching upon his health struggles and the transformative relationships he had with figures like Richard Wagner and Jakob Burkhardt. It also delves into Nietzsche's philosophical evolution, marking his shift from disciple to innovator, as he began to challenge established moral values and articulate his notions on culture and individuality, ultimately leading to his quest for "the will to power." (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Georg Morris Cohen Brandes was a Danish critic and scholar who greatly influenced Scandinavian and European literature from the 1870s through the turn of the 20th century. He is seen as the theorist behind the "Modern Breakthrough" of Scandinavian culture. At the age of 30, Brandes formulated the principles of a new realism and naturalism, condemning hyper-aesthetic writing and also fantasy in literature. His literary goals were shared by some other authors, among them the Norwegian "realist" playwright Henrik Ibsen.