Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

An aphoristic philosopher (and one of the few that by definition remains true) whose tenacity and audacity inspired and yet still inspires to this day many who think of themselves as intellectuals. Defining truth was an infinitely questionable journey in the mind of Nietzsche and any acceptance of such was a true prize to those who had presented anything to him. Nietzsche determined himself to be of no home for a long period of his intellectual development, which lends itself to his personality of challenging status quo. He did not need a definition or an origin for himself, only a journey in seeking greater things.

Health issues followed Nietzsche throughout his life, creating a pessimistic and readily critical individual that was not afraid (constant pain seems to give one internal fortitude) to speak against the "accepted" at any time and also any place. Nietzsche traveled extensively throughout the seasons and whether this was just for his own internal need to experience more or analyze it as well...or just a need to speak to a greater audience and find oneself...I cannot and will not surmise. In his earlier days, when he transitioned from accepted methodologies to analyze and critique things to a more speculative and challenging perspective, he found himself ousted by many of the "standard" brains of the time. Even furthered throughout his life, he would get close to someone only to alienate them in turn as he could challenge that which was right in front of him and do it without fail or question often.

He created his isolation, but hated it. This furthers my notion that social or communal input is required to thrive as a species. His writing style, being so heavily laden with what we would be considered profanity at that time, left few people with a clear vision of his philosophy. Tainted by what was deemed as anger, it was often dismissed or lacked what is necessary to aquire a cultural embrace. His tendency to be psychoanalytical in a philosophical debate has given many people today the ability to endorse his efforts a moral, even though Nietzsche by no means considered himself nor anyone else moral.

I ask but one question...Could Nietzsche have had a muse or was his search his only muse?

Next: Franklin Delano Roosvelt