When Nietzsche Wept
Author - Irvin D. Yalom
Published - 1992
Genre: Philosophical Novel
Major Theme: Nietzsche laying on Freud's couch
Synopsis: This book is a must read for any fans of Freud or Nietzsche. The work explores the fictional possibility of Nietzsche having encountered Freud's teacher, Dr. Joseph Breuer. Both Breuer and Freud are intrigued by Nietzsche's case as they attempt to subject him to psycho-therapy. However it is not long before Nietzsche himself begins to turn the tables on Breuer, and the doctor soon becomes the patient, as Breuer begins to self examine his own life under Nietzsche's many suggestions and insights. The story is struggle between two very opposite perspectives and solutions to life's troubles and triumphs.
Philosophical Associations
Friedrich Nietzsche - Thus Spoke Zarathustra and Ecce Homo
Sigmund Freud - The Psychopathology of Everyday Life
Relevance: These two works by Nietzsche are perhaps the most relevant to Yalom's book. Thus Spoke Zarathustra is a poetic rendering of Nietzsche's philosophy. It is a less clear account of his philosophy then his other treatises, however it takes on central importance in relation to When Nietzsche Wept. Ecce Homo is Nietzsche's autobiographical account, this puts the perspective of his life in his own words. While Nietzsche's philosophy is undoubtedly important for understanding Yalom's book better, so is the psychology of Sigmund Freud. Freud's work The Psychopathology of Everyday Life provides an excellent account of the psycho-analytic techniques which Freud and Breuer engaged in with their practise.
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