Nietzsche & Emerson: An Elective Affinity

by George J. Stack

Overview

George J. Stack traces the sources of ideas and theories that have long been considered the exclusive province of Friedrich Nietzsche to the surprisingly radical writings of the American essayist and poet, Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Nietzsche and Emerson makes us see Emerson’s writings in a new, more intensified light and presents a new perspective on Nietzsche’s philosophy. Stack traces how the rich theoretical ideas and literary images of Emerson entered directly into the existential dimension of Nietzsche’s thought and hence into the stream of what has been considered a distinctively European intellectual movement.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780821410684
Publisher:	Ohio University Press
Publication date:	12/01/1993
Edition description:	1
Pages:	392
Product dimensions:	(w) x (h) x 0.90(d)

Table of Contents

	Preface	vii
	Abbreviations	xii
Chapter 1	From Emerson to Nietzsche	1
Chapter 2	Nature: The Riddle of the Sphinx	71
Chapter 3	History and Existence	104
Chapter 4	Power in Nature and the Search after Power	138
Chapter 5	Fate and Existence	176
Chapter 6	The Paradox of Good and Evil	219
Chapter 7	Aristocratic Radicalism	267
Chapter 8	The Image of the Ubermensch	309
	Select Bibliography	363
	Index	371

Editorial Reviews

With impressive scholarship and serious intent, philosopher Stack convincingly argues that Emerson's radical thoughts profoundly influenced the development of Nietzsche's central ideas. Stack shows that both Emerson and Nietzsche maintained a microcosmic man and macrocosmic nature-analogical outlook within the framework of evolution. Admittedly, Nietzsche's atheistic and existential worldview is far more focused and intense than Emerson's critical reflections on humankind. Of special interest are the insightful references to Charles Darwin, Sigmund Freud, Friedrich A. Lang, and Ruggerio Boscovich. For the influences of Schopenhauer and Wagner on the great German philosopher, readers can refer to Carl Pletsch's Young Nietzsche: Becoming a Genius (Free Pr., 1991). Of particular value to students and scholars, this work is highly recommended for all philosophy and literature collections.-- H. James Birx, Canisius Coll., Buffalo, N.Y.

Library Journal

Stack examines many ideas and theories that have long been considered the exclusive province of Nietzsche and traces their sources to the surprisingly radical writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews