ABSTRACT
Nietzsche referred to himself as a 'man born posthumously', and as an 'untimely' thinker, because he believed it would take a long time for his work to be understood by others. Nietzsche offers a critique of contemporary values and, especially towards the end of his philosophical career he understood his own project as the 'revaluation of all values'. Nietzsche offers a profound critique of metaphysics from a moral perspective, arguing that any dualism between the real and apparent world can only serve to diminish earthly existence which must always fall short in comparison with the ideal. Beginning with The Birth of Tragedy, Nietzsche reflects upon the saving power of art and myth, which he frequently contrasts with the reductionism of science and Socratic culture. In particular, he explains the power of tragedy and he makes this into the epitome of Athenian culture which allowed the individual to thrive.
