Is It True that Nietzsche was Opinionated When under the Influence of His Sick Mind?

Friedrich Nietzsche, the influential 19th-century German philosopher, is often misunderstood as merely an opinionated thinker, particularly when his mental health deteriorated. However, this interpretation distorts his significant contributions to modern philosophy. His philosophy, often described as "resistance to bourgeois morality," is not merely opinion but a profound and complex analysis of human life and morality.

No, Nietzsche was not merely opinionated

Nietzsche's "hammer" philosophy is not easily consumed, despite its clarity and brilliance. He spent considerable time during his adult life writing and publishing works like "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" and "Beyond Good and Evil." These publications are not random outbursts or fleeting opinions but foundational texts in Western philosophical thought.

It would be absurd to suggest that a philosopher of his caliber was merely "opinionated." While it is true that Nietzsche offered numerous contentious opinions, these were part of a broader and systematic philosophical inquiry. For instance, when he stated that no good thinker can tolerate coffee or that eating meat is healthier than vegetables, these were not just passing opinions, but reflections of broader existential and ethical inquiries.

Nietzsche’s Influence on Western Philosophy

Nietzsche's legacy is undeniable. His critique of traditional morality, his concept of the übermensch (Overman), and his notion of the will to power have profoundly influenced 20th-century philosophy. To reject Nietzsche's philosophy is to ignore its impact and depth. He is a towering figure in the history of thought, and his ideas continue to provoke and inspire philosophers, writers, and thinkers worldwide.

The Role of Opinion in Philosophy

Welcome to the American perspective on philosophy. The beginning of the philosophic enterprise for Americans will be when they recognize that a basic premise differentiates between opinions and philosophy. This differentiation is crucial for reasonable and sound philosophical discourse. Unfortunately, in the current American context, the ship of knowledge is firmly stuck on the rocks.

Popular culture often conflates opinion and philosophy, leading to a devaluation of true philosophical inquiry. Nietzsche rubs many people the wrong way, and as a result, a clear picture of his reputation is difficult to form. However, this should not diminish the role of philosophers like Nietzsche in challenging and questioning societal norms and delusions.

Nietzsche was not merely a critical provocateur; he was an iconoclast who boldly shattered many societal and ethical icons. He famously declared "God is dead," a phrase that resonates with the decline of traditional religious and moral structures. He was a figure of the counter-culture in his time, helping to discredit myths, moral strictures, and abuses of animals, among other issues.

While Nietzsche's opinions may often be brash, they were rooted in a deep and philosophically coherent framework. His ideas continue to inspire both critique and celebration. Therefore, it is crucial to understand Nietzsche not as an opinionated but as a profound and influential philosopher.