Who is the author of the philosophical work "Thus Spoke Zarathustra"? A) Friedrich Nietzsche B) Søren Kierkegaard C) Jean-Paul Sartre D) Karl Marx
VerifiedAnswer: A) Friedrich Nietzsche
Explanation:
Friedrich Nietzsche is indeed the author of the philosophical masterpiece "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" (originally titled "Also sprach Zarathustra" in German). This profound work was written between 1883 and 1885 and stands as one of the most influential philosophical texts of the 19th century.
The book is written in a unique literary style that combines philosophy with poetry and narrative. Nietzsche presents his ideas through the character of Zarathustra, a prophet-like figure inspired by the ancient Persian philosopher Zoroaster. Through this character, Nietzsche explores some of his most revolutionary concepts that would reshape philosophical thinking.
The work is famous for introducing several key Nietzschean ideas, including the concept of the "Übermensch" (often translated as "Superman" or "Overman"), the idea of eternal recurrence, and the proclamation that "God is dead." These concepts challenged traditional religious and moral frameworks of European society during Nietzsche's time.
To understand why the other options are incorrect: Søren Kierkegaard was a Danish philosopher known for works like "Fear and Trembling" and is considered the father of existentialism. Jean-Paul Sartre, a 20th-century French philosopher, wrote "Being and Nothingness" and was a leading figure in existentialist thought. Karl Marx, the German philosopher and economist, authored "Das Kapital" and "The Communist Manifesto," focusing on political economy and social theory.
Nietzsche's "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" remains a cornerstone of modern philosophy and continues to influence thinkers, writers, and artists worldwide. The work's exploration of human potential, moral values, and the meaning of existence makes it essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the development of philosophical thought in the modern era.
