Composing the soul

Nietzsche asserted in Ecce Homo (1888) that his writings reveal a unique psychological insight, claiming that prior philosophers lacked a true understanding of psychology. Composing the Soul is the first study to thoroughly explore this assertion, focusing on Nietzsche's psychological framework in relation to his life and inner experiences. Graham Parkes begins with essays from Nietzsche's youth, highlighting the influence of figures like Goethe, Byron, and Emerson on his diverse talents. He then traces the evolution of Nietzsche's psychological concepts, utilizing imagery from Plato's dialogues and Nietzsche's own mystical encounters with nature, particularly regarding the notion of the soul. Central to Parkes's analysis is Nietzsche's groundbreaking idea that the soul consists of multiple "drives" or "persons" within the psyche. Nietzsche's psychological endeavor was to identify and harmonize these various aspects of the self, effectively composing the soul. Featuring new translations of Nietzsche's quotes, this work illuminates his profound personal and intellectual struggles with the concept of the soul. Exceptionally well-crafted, this landmark study makes Nietzsche's life and philosophy accessible to readers interested in understanding this often-misunderstood thinker.