ABSTRACT

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844-1900) was born in Röcken, Prussia. He was the eldest of three children. His father and both grandfathers were ordained ministers in the Lutheran Church, and early on he seemed destined for the ministry (other children called him “little pastor”). His father died at 36, when Friedrich was only 5. About five months later his baby brother Joseph also died and was buried with his father, wrapped in his arms.