Respect Beyond Belief

Nietzsche exhibits a notable respect for Jesus as a historical figure, despite his critical stance towards Christianity. This contrasts sharply with his view of Socrates, whom Nietzsche considers emblematic of the decline in Athenian thought rather than a revered philosopher. He critiques Socrates' fixation on rationality, suggesting that Socrates' influence reflects more on the poor intellectual climate of his time than on any profound philosophical merit. Nietzsche's early work highlights the duality of artistic inspiration, represented by the forces of Dionysus and Apollo, suggesting a complex view of creativity that transcends mere reason.