Fredrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche was born on October 15, 1844 in Rocken, Germany. He studied classical philology at the Universities of Bonn and Leipzig. In 1869 Nietzsche was appointed to the position of Chair of Classical Philology at the University of Basel in Switzerland. Declining health led Nietzsche to resign his post a decade later.

Nietzsche was a controversial figure—and he thrived on seeking out controversy. However, Nietzsche is considered to be one of the greatest German writers and philosophers of all time and to this day holds an almost saint-like following in Germany and France.

Nietzsche routinely wrote critiques of philosophy, religion, science, morality, and contemporary culture. A distinctive style was typical of the philosopher, as was fondness for aphorism. Nietzsche's influence remains substantial, most notably in existentialism and post-modernism. Nietzsche is well known for his unrelenting questioning of the value and the objectivity of truth.

Nietzsche...