The Originals: Beyond Good And Evil - Om Books

"First published in 1886, Beyond Good and Evil by renowned German philosopher and thinker, Friedrich Nietzsche, expands on the philosophical ideas of his Thus Spake Zarathustra. The book presents a sharp critique of morality and the tendency to view morality in binaries of good and evil, thus rejecting the concept of universal morality for all humankind. In this book, divided into nine parts, Nietzsche begins by exposing the deficiencies of the old philosophers, emphasising the need for free spirits, and strongly opposes the ideas of universal morality as propagated by religion, anti-Semitism and feelings of nationalism. The ideas introduced in this book continue to influence and inspire philosophers all around the world."


Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) was a notable German philosopher who remains one of the most influential modern thinkers. He is renowned for writing on the concept of the super-man, the end of religion in a modern society as well as his exploration of the concepts of good and evil. Some of his major philosophical works are Thus Spake Zarathustra (1883), The Antichrist (1885) and Twilight of the Idols (1889). Many major thinkers of the 20th century such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Sigmund Freud and Albert Camus, among others, were influenced by Nietzsche's ideas.
After his death, the misappropriation of his works by the Nazi Party in the 30s and 40s of the last century to further their fascist activities resulted in a negative reputation for generations whereas Nietzsche himself was steadfastly against anti-Semitism.
Nietzsche died on 25 August 1900, aged 55.