Nietzsche "Twilight of the Idols"

Friedrich Nietzsche was a 19th century German Philosopher who did not shy away from either criticism or conflict with other philosophers. One example of this was Nietzsche's remarks on Rousseau, equality, and democracy. In Nietzsche's book Twilight of the Idols in the chapter entitled "Skirmishes of an Untimely Man," section 48 is devoted to Rousseau, and his idea of the natural equality of humans. (Nietzsche, 82-84) Nietzsche begins his rant by criticizing, in the most egregious terms, Rousseau and his idea of returning to nature. Nietzsche does not seem to know what Rousseau means by "nature," and must ask the question of him "…to what did Rousseau was to return?" (Nietzsche, 82-84) and answering this question by comparing Rousseau's state of nature to the violence and terror of the French Revolution.

The French Revolution was based upon the idea of equality; making everyone equal. Nietzsche...
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