Nietzsche and Emerson on History

Authors

  • Laura Langone University of Cambridge

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33182/agon.v16i2.2705

Keywords:

history, self-cultivation, plastic power, character, experimentation, perspectivism, free spirit

Abstract

This paper aims to show how Nietzsche was influenced by Emerson in developing a conception of history as a set of values to be embodied in order to gain a deeper insight into the essence of reality. It is a conception that Nietzsche first expressed in his second Untimely Meditation, On the Uses and Disadvantages of History for Life (1874) and that fully developed in the period of his so-called “free spirit philosophy” (1878-1882). Firstly, I will briefly outline the relationship between Nietzsche and Emerson. Secondly, I will illustrate Emerson’s stance on history. Thirdly, I will show how Nietzsche drew from Emerson’s thought.

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Published

2022-12-24

How to Cite

Langone, L. (2022). Nietzsche and Emerson on History. The Agonist, 16(2), 95–103. https://doi.org/10.33182/agon.v16i2.2705

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Section

Articles