Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) was a German atheist philosopher whose work set in motion the existentialism movement of the 1900's.[1] Nietzsche was critical of Religion in general, though especially Christianity, which he described as the "Religion of pity."[2] Nietzsche is famous for his statement that “God is dead.” Nietzsche criticized Western democracy, preferring instead rule by elitist groups who could become almost superhuman through effort and courage. Nietzsche himself went insane later in life, but many Germans promoted his ideas after World War I in an effort to increase self-esteem among the German people.
The statement "God is dead" was popularized in 1965 when Time Magazine published an issue containing these words in large type on its front cover. A popular joke of the 1960s was:
- "God is dead."—Nietzsche
- "Nietzsche is dead."—God
Of course those familiar with Nietzsche's thought realize that this play on words validates, rather than repudiates, his writings by demonstrating the insecurity of religious people when faced with philosphical challenges. Not only does the joke misconstrue Nietzsche's philosophy, it actually reveals the strength of the philosopher's work; instead of actually reading Nietzsche, religious people often simply respond to perceived threats with banal jokes and cursory criticism.