The Nietzsche Podcast

128: Zhuangzi - Free & Easy Wandering

Exploring the indeterminate nature of truth in the Zhuangzi, the usefulness of uselessness, the foolishness of seeking office, and the advantages of xiaoyaoyou. Mixing translations from Watson, Palmer, Giles & informed by readings/commentary from Ziporyn, Ge Ling Shang & Wing Tsit Chan. For a general introduction to Spring and Autumn period Chinese philosophy, see the previous regular episode, #127.

New Year's Announcement

I still live, I still think. I still have to live, for I still have to think. Sum ergo cogito, cogito ergo sum. Updates on the future of the podcast and plans for the New Year. Brief reflections on the past. Official announcement for my course at Acid Horizon Research Commons. Sign up here: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/2026-classes/p/nietzsches-experiment-with-truth

Christmas Special 2025

CONTRIBUTORS:Andrei Georgescu (Artexius)Website: https://andreigeorgescu.ca/WeltgeistCraig (Acid Horizon/Lepht Hand)Website: https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com SIGN UP FOR MY CLASS ON NIETZSCHE (Limited Seating): https://www.acidhorizonpodcast.com/2026-classes/p/nietzsches-experiment-with-truthKarl NordNeil (Gnostic Informant)PF Jung Tony (1Dime)VivienneMynaa Miesnowan

127: Where is the Dao?

Introducing "dao" as a concept in Chinese philosophy. We'll explore the the social & historical context of the Spring and Autumn period. We'll follow A.C. Graham's assertion that the basic question of Chinese philosophy is "where is the way?", and consider the answers given by Confucius, Laozi, Mencius & XunziSources: Wing Tsit Chan - A Sourcebook in Chinese PhilosophyA.C. Graham - Disputers of the TaoRobin Wang - Yin Yang: The Way of Heaven and Earth in Chinese Thought and CultureGe Ling Shang - Liberation as Affirmation: The Religiosity of Zhuangzi and NietzscheHolmes Welch - Taoism: The Parting of the Way

126: The Sorrows of Young Werther

Goethe's novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, was Napoleon Bonaparte's favorite novel. In recent years it has become the subject of memes, and the "sensitive young man" archetype. How are we to understand this puzzling development? What is the connection between the Caesarist strongman and the hopeless lover? In this episode, we'll consider the historical background of the work: its inspiration in the story of Karl Wilhelm Jerusalem, the "fever" that swept Europe following its publication, and its controversies. We'll analyze the novel and try to understand Goethe's character as something more than simply a victim of unrequited love. And we'll consider Napoleon's meeting with Goethe and their conversation about the story, as well as some of Goethe's comments about it in conversations with Eckermann.