Reductio ad absurdum - a must read

Nietsche is best read while keeping in mind the dictum that
"truth is not to be acquired, but to be romanced".

In Beyond Good and Evil Nietzsche demolishes the philosophical prejudice of his time while adding his own. Howbeit, his insights - all couched in prankish, brilliantly aphoristic style, more than compensates for the occasional lapse in good judgment...

In his book Nietzsche proposes a new direction for philosophy, and a different kind of philosopher. Philosophers, according to this view, should be free spirits and great experimentalists, as opposed to the mere "philosophical laborers" that are often thought to be the true philosophers. The philosopher has "the most comprehensive responsibility" and "the conscience for the over-all development of man" and should utilize religion, education and political suggestions, although it is more concerned to propose a type of political arrangement (like Plato advocating philosopher-kings) than to argue for specific policies.

"Beyond Good and Evil" is an extraordinary tour de force of philosophy. The questions that the German philosopher asks forces one to rethink about all of what he believes to be "true". In the final analysis that is what it's all about - questioning, examining and moving beyond established absolutes.

Finally, Walter Kaufmann's translation offers helpful footnotes and comments for the reader. The translation is fluid and easy to read. Kaufmann captures Nietsche's often humorous critiques as well as his fabulous aphorisms ("Where man cannot find anything to see or to grasp, he has no further business"). Regardless of one's point of view "Beyond Good and Evil" is a must read for anyone who takes a serious interest in the development of philosophy, especially existentialism and nihilism.