| Pious Nietzsche: Decadence and Dionysian Faith Contributor(s): Benson, Bruce Ellis (Author) |
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ISBN: 0253218748 ISBN-13: 9780253218742 Publisher: Indiana University Press OUR PRICE: $24.70 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: December 2007 Annotation: Bruce Ellis Benson puts forward the surprising idea that Nietzsche was never a godless nihilist, but was instead deeply religious. But how does Nietzsche affirm life and faith in the midst of decadence and decay? Benson looks carefully at Nietzsche's life history and views of three decadents, Socrates, Wagner, and Paul, to come to grips with his pietistic turn. Key to this understanding is Benson's interpretation of the powerful effect that Nietzsche thinks music has on the human spirit. Benson claims that Nietzsche's improvisations at the piano were emblematic of the Dionysian or frenzied, ecstatic state he sought, but was ultimately unable to achieve, before he descended into madness. For its insights into questions of faith, decadence, and transcendence, this book is an important contribution to Nietzsche studies, philosophy, and religion. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Philosophy | Religious - Philosophy | History & Surveys - General |
| Dewey: 193 |
| LCCN: 2007021396 |
| Series: Indiana Series in the Philosophy of Religion (Paperback) |
| Physical Information: 0.77" H x 6.5" W x 9.26" (1.02 lbs) 296 pages |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - Germany - Chronological Period - 19th Century |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Bruce Ellis Benson puts forward the surprising idea that Nietzsche was never a godless nihilist, but was instead deeply religious. But how does Nietzsche affirm life and faith in the midst of decadence and decay? Benson looks carefully at Nietzsche's life history and views of three decadents, Socrates, Wagner, and Paul, to come to grips with his pietistic turn. Key to this understanding is Benson's interpretation of the powerful effect that Nietzsche thinks music has on the human spirit. Benson claims that Nietzsche's improvisations at the piano were emblematic of the Dionysian or frenzied, ecstatic state he sought, but was ultimately unable to achieve, before he descended into madness. For its insights into questions of faith, decadence, and transcendence, this book is an important contribution to Nietzsche studies, philosophy, and religion. |
