Nietzsche vs. Stoicism (and Why Epicureanism is Better)

In looking at Nietzsche and the Stoics it might seem that it is Nietzsche contra Stoicism based on some of his harsher words towards them. But that is not the case. When it comes to Nietzsche on Stoicism there is nuance. The simplest way of answering the question does Nietzsche hate the Stoics? is by recalling to mind that Nietzsche is a creature of nuance. He doesn't advocate for a Stoic life (despite the Nietzsche Martha Nussbaum sees as the great closet Stoic) in himself but that being said he can see that there are certain conditions under which it might be desirable to be a Stoic. However those seeking spiritual heights for Nietzsche Epicureanism is a better pursuit. Speaking of this philosopher in the garden Epicurus Nietzsche says in the Gay Science that his way is the way of all those seeking the way of the spirit. But for Nietzsche Stoicism Epicureanism is not a simple binary; there's much nuance in understanding why he chooses one over the other and when to choose one over the other. So as we'll see those who wonder why Nietzsche hated Stoicism have failed to read the great man closely enough.

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