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Epicurus: A Case Study of Nietzsche's Conception of a "Typical Decadent"
- The Journal of Nietzsche Studies
- Penn State University Press
- Volume 52, Issue 1, Spring 2021
- pp. 78-104
- Article
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Abstract:
Nietzsche's portrayal of Epicurus in his middle period of 1878–82 is one of an inspiring figure and kindred spirit, which is then generally considered by commentators to change to a more ambivalent one in his later writings, particularly those from 1886 to 1888. In this article, I argue that this change in Nietzsche's opinion of Epicurus can be explained by his gradual realization that Epicurus advocates a particular form of Greek decadence, which neither Nietzsche nor the secondary literature on him ever formally name. As a consequence of this promotion of a life-inhibiting value that potentially undermines the flourishing of humanity, Nietzsche thinks Epicurus should be construed not just as a "decadent" but, in fact, a "typical" one, which I will argue is a distinct opprobrium that the secondary literature to date often cites but does not fully expound.