Ecce Homo

by Friedrich Nietzsche
Ecce Homo cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Philosophy
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  • ID: 5401
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780141921730
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2004-08-26
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

In Ecce Homo, Friedrich Nietzsche offers a deeply personal and unfiltered look at his life, philosophical development, and the figures who shaped his thinking. Written in 1888, this work serves as his last testament, where he reflects on his struggles and triumphs over influential figures like Schopenhauer, Wagner, Socrates, and Christ. Nietzsche's unique blend of self-celebration and self-mockery makes this autobiography both penetrating and strange, providing a final, definitive expression of his main beliefs. This extraordinary book is not just a retelling of Nietzsche's life but a bold declaration of his forthcoming revelation of all values. It challenges readers to reconsider their own beliefs and prepares them for the cataclysmic impact of his philosophical insights. Ecce Homo stands as a testament to Nietzsche's genius and his enduring influence on philosophy.

Reviews
NDPR · 2024-10-06
sardonic 4.25

The book emphasizes Nietzsche's prioritization of the philosophical life. The writing is sardonic and self-deprecating, offering a unique insight into Nietzsche's thoughts.

The reviewer notes that Ecce Homo highlights Nietzsche's dedication to the philosophical life, making it a significant read for those interested in his work. The sardonic and self-deprecating tone of the book adds a layer of complexity to Nietzsche's character. The reviewer appreciates the philosophical depth and the unique perspective offered by Nietzsche's writing. However, the tone may be off-putting to some readers, as it can come across as mocking and self-deprecating.

Quick quotes

    The attentive reader of Ecce Homo comes away convinced that Nietzsche prioritizes the philosophical life above all else.

    His sardonic judgments and chapter headings are mordant, mocking, self-deprecating, sly.

    Nietzsche was putting himself on trial with this work.

Eustacian Tan · Eustacian Tan · 2021-10-04
provocative 4.00

The book reveals Nietzsche's self-confidence and his defensive stance against the world. The writing is provocative and challenges conventional autobiographical norms.

Eustacian Tan found Nietzsche's self-confidence to be both impressive and defensive, suggesting that the philosopher had a strong sense of self but also felt the need to protect himself from external criticisms. The book's provocative style and unconventional approach to autobiography make it a unique read. Tan highlights how Nietzsche's writing is deliberately confrontational, which adds to the book's intrigue and depth. The philosophical insights are profound, but the tone can be off-putting to some readers.

Quick quotes

    Nietzsche's self-confidence also comes with an instinctive defence against the world.

    The book is deliberately provocative, subverting the conventions of the genre.

    Nietzsche's writing is completely free, allowing him to express his thoughts without restraint.

books, yo. · 2014-06-19
compelling 3.75

The book is an intimate exploration of Nietzsche's previous works, offering a unique perspective on his philosophy. The writing is free and uninhibited, making it a compelling read.

The reviewer appreciates the intimate and personal nature of Ecce Homo, which provides a deeper understanding of Nietzsche's philosophical journey. The book's uninhibited writing style is both refreshing and challenging, offering a raw look into Nietzsche's mind. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read, despite Nietzsche's sometimes arrogant tone. The philosophical insights are valuable, but the book's provocative style may not appeal to everyone.

Quick quotes

    Ecce Homo is his final text and is, in essence, an investigation, an overview, an elucidation, of his previous work.

    He is completely free in his writing.

    Although he comes across as arrogant and unnecessarily adversarial, his philosophy has held up.

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