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Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1885)

Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for None and All is a philosophical novel written by Nietzsche that was published in four volumes between 1883 and 1885. Considered one of the most peculiar works in the Western philosophical tradition, Thus Spoke Zarathustra follows a mock-gospel style that conveys the sayings and doings of the title character as he attempts to spread his message to humanity. Among the topics explored in this discursive work are Nietzsche’s concept of the will to power and his famous contention that “God is dead.”

Beyond Good and Evil (1886)

Beyond Good and Evil is a comprehensive overview of Nietzsche’s mature philosophy that was published in 1886. Nietzsche presents his worldview in a series of 296 two-dimensional aphorisms—ranging in length from a few sentences to a few pages—each approximating a more complex worldview. Beyond Good and Evil is Nietzsche’s concept of perspectivism in practice: we can read every aphorism as one different perspective from which to look at Nietzsche’s philosophy. The work also includes Nietzsche’s well-known idea of the Will to Power.

Genealogy of Morals (1887)

Genealogy of Morals was written and published in 1887. Sometimes translated as On the Genealogy of Morality, it consists of three essays, each of which questions the value of our moral concepts and examines their evolution. The First Essay is entitled “‘Good and Evil,’ ‘Good and Bad.’” The Second Essay is called “‘Guilt,’ ‘Bad Conscience,’ and the Like.” The Third Essay asks the question, “What Is the Meaning of Ascetic Ideals?”

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