Alain de Botton makes Philosophy easy to understand. Here he speaks about German philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche probably one of the most admired yet misunderstood philosophers in his time. Particularly Misread by Adolf Hitler who distorted much of the German Philosopher’s ideas as a tool for Nazi Supremacist Propaganda. It should also be noted that Nietzsche’s Views on Zarathustra – the Persian Prophet (and Founder of one of the First Monotheist Religions) had nothing to do with the historical and religious figure depicted but rather a personal outlook. A central irony of the philisophical novel Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None is that Nietzsche mimics the style of the Bible in order to present ideas which fundamentally oppose Christian and Jewish morality and tradition.
Philosophy – A Guide To Happiness: Nietzsche on Hardship:
Part I:
Part II:
Part III:
Nietzsche – ‘Last Days’ Footage – 1899:
Whether these clips are authentic has been debated, but, they a remarkable look at Nietzsche’s ‘last days’ in Weimar in the summer of 1899 (the photo stills by Hans Olde are common) … Nietzsche died on August 25, 1900 from pneumonia, eleven years after his well-chronicled mental breakdown in Turin…
BIO:
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (15 October 1844 – 25 August 1900) was a German philosopher, whose critiques of contemporary culture, religion, and philosophy centered on a basic question regarding the foundation of values and morality. He wrote critical texts on religion, morality, contemporary culture, philosophy and science, using a distinctive style and displaying a fondness for metaphor, irony and aphorism.
Nietzsche’s influence remains substantial within and beyond philosophy, notably in existentialism and postmodernism. His style and radical questioning of the value and objectivity of truth have resulted in much commentary and interpretation, mostly in the continental tradition. His key ideas include the death of God, perspectivism, the Übermensch, the eternal recurrence, and the will to power.
Nietzsche began his career as a classical philologist before turning to philosophy. At the age of 24 he was appointed to the Chair of Classical Philology at the University of Basel (the youngest individual to have held this position), but resigned in 1879 due to health problems that plagued him most of his life. In 1889 he went insane, living out his remaining years in the care of his mother and sister until his death in 1900.
More Here
Jesse Owens Vs Hitler:
Leni Riefenstahl’s Triumph of the Will – Intro to the Controversial Documentary:
A Brilliant Parody by Stand Up comic Ricky Gervais on How Hitler misread Nietzsche’s ideas:
Another More “Sober” Version by Ricky Gervais which I found even more funny:
2001 A Space Odyssey Opening – Thus Spoke Zarathustra – Strauss:
Historian Robert Winston takes a look at the origines of the first and most ancient monotheist religion-Zoroastrianism:
Elvis Presley – Also Sprach Zarathustra & See See Rider – Aloha Hawaii,1973 (The Long Black Out is Intentional):
Scene from Movie: When Nietzsche Wept (2007) directed by Pinchas Perry starring Armand Assante ( As Nietzsche ) and Jamie Elman ( Freud) :
Related Satire:
SATIRE: The Olagh has Landed ;0)
Less Funny:
HOLOCAUST A MYTH: Michelle Renouf on Iranian SAHAR TV
Ahmadinejad’s demands for Holocaust investigation juxtaposed with denial of an election probe
Mehdi Karroubi Targets Ahmadinejad’s Holocaust Denial
Recommended Readings:
By DK
Banalization of history By DK
Esther’s Children: A Portrait of Iranian Jews by Houman Sarshar
Signed, sealed & delivered by Fereydoun Hoveyda. (The former diplomat participated in the drafting and voting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
with DK
by Darius KADIVAR
We are Awake by Cyrus KADIVAR
Recommended Watching:
HITLER ON THE COUCH: A Psychological Profile of Adolf Hitler (BBC Documentary)
Related Blogs:
THE STORY OF GOD: Robert Winston explains Zoroastrianism
HISTORY OF IDEAS: Jean Paul Sartre on Freedom and Existentialism (BBC)
HISTORY OF IDEAS: Seneca on Anger – A Guide To Happiness with Alain de Botton (BBC)
HISTORY OF IDEAS: Montaigne’s Guide To Happiness,Wisdom and Self-Esteem (BBC Documentary)
HISTORY OF IDEAS:Socrates on Self-Confidence and Non Conformist Thought (BBC Documentary)
HISTORY FORUM: The Age of Enlightment in France and Europe.
EMPIRE OF THE MIND: The Greeks – Crucible of Civilization narrated by Liam Neeson (PBS-1999)
HISTORY FORUM: Machiavelli’s “The Prince” and the “Art” of Governing
GOOD READ: All You Need to Know About The Enlightment Philosophers
HISTORY FORUM: Nader Naderpour on Iran’s Constitutional Revolution and European Rennaissance (1996)