(1795–1881) Thomas Carlyle was a Scottish essayist, historian, and philosopher. He’s mostly known for his letters, histories, and critical essays. In Twilight of the Idols, Nietzsche calls the Life of Thomas Carlyle an “involuntary farce.” He criticizes Carlyle for desiring—while simultaneously lacking—a strong religious faith, which is exactly the sort of moral conflict (aspiring to ideals) that Nietzsche associates with the degradation of modern society.
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Thomas Carlyle Character Timeline in Twilight of the Idols
The timeline below shows where the character Thomas Carlyle appears in Twilight of the Idols. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Expeditions of an Untimely Man
12. Nietzsche attacks Thomas Carlyle, referring to him as an “involuntary farce.” He claims that Carlyle was both a man...
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13. Emerson. Nietzsche argues that Emerson is “happier” and “more refined” than Carlyle. He also has better taste, and his “cheerfulness […] discourages all earnestness."
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...great men. The English think greatness comes from democracy (like Buckle) or from religion (like Carlyle). But Nietzsche argues that society (mainly Christianity and moralists) misunderstand the sacrifices that great human...
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