Human, All Too Human by Fredrich Nietzsche

This book which was written in the beginning of a new era for Nietzsche is made up of a collection of aphorisms or statements separated into sections and subtitled almost like a book of reference. Obviously, the book was originally written in German and was translated with footnotes for better understanding. Firstly, I have to say that the footnotes were terrifically done, any Latin (or occasionally French) phrases were translated into footnotes when used by Nietzsche, and historical framework was also offered where necessary.

Human, All Too Human was written when Nietzsche was beginning to experience health problems. It attacks religion, moral feelings, human nature and how art and literature affects the human condition. There are several things I don't quite agree with obviously. Firstly, this book is overly pessimistic especially about the greater facets of human nature, but this also illustrates the break-up in friendships Nietzsche was experiencing at the time and was perhaps one of the founding documents of his nihilist doctrine. Some of the aphorisms did ring true to me though, and were definitely amazing opinions to have at the time.

This book was difficult to read, mainly because it's not a novel as some of his earlier works are. The index in this edition would be helpful as a quick resource - in a sort of "What would Nietzsche do" capacity.