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 thirty-six when Friedrich was only five. About five months later his baby brother, Joseph, also died and was buried wrapped in his father’s arms.
