Ecce Homo

How One Becomes What One Is

By: Friedrich Nietzsche

Narrated by: Steven Van Doren

Length: 4 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Ecce homo, "behold the man", are the words Friedrich Nietzsche chose as the title for his literary self-portrait. A main purpose of the book was to offer Nietzsche's own perspective on his work as a philosopher and human being.

Ecce Homo also forcefully repudiates those interpretations of his previous works purporting to find support there for imperialism, anti-Semitism, militarism, and Social Darwinism.

Nietzsche strives to present a new image of the philosopher and of himself as a philosopher. He expounds upon his life as a child, his tastes as an individual, and his vision for humanity. On these grounds, some consider Ecce Homo a literary work comparable in its artistry to Van Gogh's paintings.

Public Domain (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Funny and reflective

Nietzsche wimsy and writing coupled with the readers presentation makes this a quick enjoyable listen for a Sunday afternoon.

Nietzsche's Joie de vivre!

I love listening to this book. The narrator manages to capture much of the nuance of Nietzsche's voice, including the sarcasm, chutzpah, and just all around joie de vivre.

I suppose I wasn't ready for this read?

Honestly I've heard nothing but great things about the author and his contributions to the science of psychology. However this was the the first book I listened to because I was told that Zarathustra isn't a good book to read if I haven't read any of his other books. nevertheless I hope the next book changes my perspective.

Self-absorbed aggrandizement

We all know that one person who just loves to hear themself talk.. that’s Nietzsche in this book: the bloated opinion of an indulgent narcissist reveling in their own splendor

Antidote to Christianity

I love Nietzsche. His unabashed narcissism, extravagant language, red herrings and mind games.

Does he give us enough to discern his meaning? Sometimes, and no doubt I have much of it wrong.

But, I suspect he's right in many, many things. That Christian morality is manifest in a self punishing conscience. That philosophy, particularly ethics based on Christian metaphysics and truths are fruit of the poisonous tree. That knowledge of science, naturalism and evolution invert our understanding of humanity, our place and role in the Universe, the our understanding of reality.

Sometimes, however, I wonder if Nietzsche misunderstood Darwin and other theories of evolution. The debate certainly was not settled in 1888. His emphasis on "the law of selection is thwarted" suggests a claim to knowledge unavailable at the time. We still struggle with the meaning and implications of Darwin's work.

Or perhaps he means our choices and selections? What we consider wise, true, strong and good; what and how we choose to believe, and the implications our choices have at all levels of life. Whom, what and how we will to power?

There's no free ride with Nietzsche. No spider web dialectic, no reading list beyond his own, highly praised and obfuscated, equivocal works. Think! is always the imperative, as are Feel! and Live!

best to read after you read and learn about Niche

this should not be a person's first introduction to Niche but rather after you start to understand the man otherwise you will end up being overwhelmed and misunderstanding and your personal dogma will take over your objectivity. also it would be counterintuitive to look at Niche through the lens of modernity. Also I would add that for some reason Audible displays the worst reviews first instead of in chronological order so read all of them first.

Revolutionary

It is interesting how this is also a summary of his own works, a commentary on Nietzsche by Nietzsche. It is not only a summary of the minute daily observations and habits he has worked out for his well being (despite incredible physical suffering), but how he is, in the face of suffering, nevertheless affirmative of life. However, far from focusing on the minutia of his life, he is actually founding the value of life on a revolutionary view of life as independent of classic morality which had dominated society in the form of Christianity (the dominant force of moralism at his time), and in the form of German Idealism (rationalism and moralism as reflected in the Kantian categorical imprerative). In place of historical and religious false valuation, Nietzsche advocates the spirit of Dionysus (versus Apolo), to live creatively, energetically and courageously in the spirit of Zarathustra, his magnus opus.

The Most Amazing Performance

I've listened to this performance countless times - always at ~1.5x the speed of the original delivery. It's a breathtaking rendition of Nietzsche's final gift to posterity. Steven does a magnificent job here - as he does with Beyond Good and Evil - and I can't help but return time and again to imbibe Nietzsche's final reflections through the cipher of this unparalleled performance. Bravo!

[edit]: Here I am, many years later, and I still listen to this work at least 10 times a year! As always, Nietzsche is presenting so much here in rhetorical style – for *our* benefit. It's perfectly sublime!

Inspirational

A very inspiring tale. Nietzsche has the rare ability to make you question the simplest fact you are most familiar with.

Great book...

What made the experience of listening to Ecce Homo the most enjoyable?

Nietzsche is the best, and his autobiography is a great experience if you're interested in the man. It gives an account of his life that seems honest, and equally mysterious. Full of good advice that you think the man doesn't really live by. Typical Nietzsche. The book is worth it for the chapter titles alone. "Why I Am So Wise." "Why I Am So Clever." The man nailed it.

What about Steven Van Doren’s performance did you like?

Listen, this guy sounded like George Takei. I felt like Nietzsche was being read from the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. It was much to pompous and self aggrandizing, and I understand why someone might THINK this is the way to do it. But that someone was wrong.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Sure, if I had that long to sit. Who could sit that long?

Any additional comments?

No.