Ecce Homo: How One Becomes What One Is

"Ecce Homo: How One Becomes What One Is" is Nietzsche's greatest autobiographical work, in which he reflects on his life, his philosophical development, and the significance of his writings. The manuscript was not published during Nietzsche's lifetime due to his mental collapse in early 1889. The first publication occurred in 1908, edited by Raoul Richter and published by C.G. Naumann in Leipzig. In this work, Nietzsche presents himself as a figure of profound insight and radical challenge to conventional morality and belief. He provides an overview of his major works, explaining their themes and intentions, and asserts his role as a philosopher of the future who has transcended the limitations of his time, biology and history itself. Nietzsche employs a variety of rhetorical strategies, from sardonic humor to grandiose declarations in mimicry of Voltaire, to articulate his sense of mission and his critique of contemporary society. Characterized by unapologetic self-adoration and critical reflections on his intellectual opponents, the work provides a clear window into Nietzsche's self-perception and his vision of his philosophical legacy. "Ecce Homo" is Latin for "Behold the Man" and is used in the Vulgate in John 19:5. It's important to note that in some German translations of the Bible, this Latin phrase is often used, so Nietzsche's readers would have known exactly what the Latin meant. In the title alone, he is essentially calling himself the true or real Jesus, or the Anti-Christ. In this later period of his life, strong megalomania took hold of him, and Ecce Homo is a shining example of this. This modern critical reader's edition offers a clear and accessible translation of Nietzsche’s original manuscript, using contemporary language and streamlined sentence structures to make his complex ideas easier to engage with. Designed for both general readers and students of philosophy, the edition includes a range of supporting materials to provide context and deepen understanding. These include an afterword by the translator discussing the historical reception and intellectual legacy of the work, an index of key philosophical concepts with emphasis on Existentialism and Phenomenology, a chronological list of Nietzsche’s published works, and a detailed timeline of his life, highlighting the personal relationships that influenced his thinking.