Round 213: Thus Spake Zarathustra

Widely considered Nietzsche's most famous work, Thus Spoke Zarathustra is well-regarded for its groundbreaking philosophical concepts, unique literary style, and profound influence on modern thought. The book, a mix of philosophic treatise and poetic narrative, presents radical ideas that challenge traditional morality and human values.

Come one and all as we take a look at this work and Nietzsche in general, and as always no prior homework or knowledge is required.

"Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None (German: Also sprach Zarathustra: Ein Buch für Alle und Keinen), also translated as Thus Spake Zarathustra, is a work of philosophical fiction written by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. It was published in four volumes between 1883 and 1885. The protagonist is nominally the historical Zarathustra, more commonly called Zoroaster in the West.
Much of the book consists of discourses by Zarathustra on a wide variety of subjects, most of which end with the refrain "thus spoke Zarathustra". The character of Zarathustra first appeared in Nietzsche's earlier book The Gay Science (at §342, which closely resembles §1 of "Zarathustra's Prologue" in Thus Spoke Zarathustra).
The style of Nietzsche's Zarathustra has facilitated varied and often incompatible ideas about what Nietzsche's Zarathustra says. The "[e]xplanations and claims" given by the character of Zarathustra in this work "are almost always analogical and figurative".[1] Though there is no consensus about what Zarathustra means when he speaks, there is some consensus about that which he speaks. Thus Spoke Zarathustra deals with ideas about the Übermensch, the death of God, the will to power, and eternal recurrence."
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thus_Spoke_Zarathustra

10 minute Video summary by Eternalised:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ain3O8dqnJ8

39 minute lecture on Nietzsche by the truly incredible Prof. Michael Sugrue:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlsR7_Wn8wc