This book contains one of the best translations of Nietzsche's stance on "the Death of God." Heidegger translates and utilizes Nietzsche's work as a bias to prove his own theory to define modern science.
Heidegger is a Famous Existentialist who began questioning and explaining Existentialism between World War I and World War II. Interested in his predecessor's work Heidegger focuses on the best definitions of Greek works since many Existential theories are based on Socrates, Plato and Aristotle and one of the first philosophers to indicate the work of the most significant Greek Philosophers might be influenced by Asia and Europe.
Nietzsche is a Famous Poet and Composer of the Nineteenth Century who expressed many philosophies related to Atheism and Nihilism. Additional studies include Postmodernism, Existentialism and Americanism. Nietzsche is often confused as the Leader of Atheistic Nihilism thought and a Psychologist. He is a poet; however, several psychologists cross-reference beliefs of former Existentialists, like Kierkegaard. The idea of Id and Ego is a product of modern thinking during their life spans.
William Lovitt was a Professor at several prestigious colleges. His main interest was in Math and Science. His translation of Heidegger and introduction was copyrighted in 1977, yet not published until the 1990's. This is after his death in 1950. It took several years to recognize the value of the translation. Lovitt's wordy and sometimes cyclical introduction is not clear and appears to be an attempt to hide a lack of knowledge of the subject.
The book has an excellent translation conveying thoughts hidden from general society attempting to understand Existentialism and Nihilism. As a person able to live amongst practicing Nihilist most of the content is clarifying though sections are misleading. This is not a product of the translation. It is a product of varying cultural norms within the subculture. The author assumes readers are practicing or accepting of this philosophical outlook.
Worthwhile to people attempting to understand Existentialism and Nihilism, it explains scientific methods clearly. For those interested in language, Heidegger preserves the basic interpretation of several words that have lost their meaning over the years. This is interesting in relation to understanding other books written during this time. Difficult to read, the comprehension level is at a college reading level and not necessarily for everyone.
Related Article
Changes in Rank
Despite What They Say
The Something Lie
Study of Nothing
