Description

 Hiking with Nietzsche

Hiking with Nietzsche and the Author of American Philosophy: A Love Story

“A stimulating book about combating despair and complacency with searching reflection.” –Heller McAlpin, NPR.org

Named a Best Book of 2018 by NPR. One of Lit Hub’s 15 Books You Should Read in September and one of Outside‘s Best Books of Fall

Hiking with Nietzsche

In Hiking with Nietzsche tells a tale of tackling a transformative pilgrimage through the breathtaking Alpine landscapes. Hiking with Nietzsche: Becoming Who You Are takes readers on a profound exploration of the human condition. John Kaag, a young man in search of wisdom, retraces the footsteps of the great philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. With his wife and child by his side, Kaag ventures on two separate expeditions, seventeen years apart, each offering unique insights into Nietzsche’s philosophy and profound revelations about life itself.

In this alluring narrative, Kaag seamlessly intertwines his personal experiences with Nietzsche’s profound ideals. Creating a thought-provoking exploration of the relevance of Nietzsche’s philosophy in the modern world. As Kaag navigates the Swiss peaks above Sils Maria. When Nietzsche penned his influential work Thus Spoke Zarathustra, he grappled with the complexities of existence and the pursuit of meaning. Through his encounters with the majestic landscapes and the challenges they present. Kaag discovers that even the smallest missteps can hold valuable lessons.

Hiking with Nietzsche delves into the delicate balance between sanity and madness, urging readers to challenge complacency and confront the unattainable. Kaag’s introspective journey serves as a reminder that personal growth often arises from the process of climbing, from the moments of vulnerability and the inevitable setbacks. As Nietzsche once wrote, it is through these experiences that one truly discovers their authentic self and embraces the essence of their being. With its intimate and insightful narrative, Hiking with Nietzsche invites readers to undertake their transformative ride of self-discovery and introspection.

Reviews: Hiking with Nietzsche

“In Hiking with Nietzsche, Kaag explores how the idea of striving mentally and physically are tied together. To be honest, at this point in my life I’m probably never going to read Nietzsche, but Kaag’s clear writing and insight into why we get obsessed with peaks . . . rang true and made me feel slightly more enlightened.” —Heather Hansman, Outside

“[Hiking with Nietzsche] artfully blends Nietzsche’s biography, an accessible yet subtle introduction to his big ideas, and Kaag’s reminiscences . . . funny and moving.” —Paul W. Gleason, Newsday

“Lively . . . a deeply personal account of a lifelong engagement with the philosopher’s works.” —Tatler Magazine (U.K.) (10 books to read this spring)

“Kaag has the perfect resume for this type of introspective blend of memoir and biography . . . He pairs breathtaking descriptions of the Sils region with Nietzsche’s fascinating personal history, providing a unique, engaging narrative . . . With Hiking with Nietzsche, Kaag can now add his name to the list of thoughtful wanderers.” —Becky Libourel Diamond, BookPage

“This isn’t a misery memoir or anything like that. This is a serious discussion of how philosophy relates to life, told through part of the author’s own life. It takes a very skillful writer to weave those things together in a way that is readable and interesting without seeming indulgent.” —Nigel Warburton, Five Books (Best Philosophy Books of 2018)

“Meditative . . . thought-provoking. . . Kaag has crafted a stirring account of a personal encounter with a great mind.” —Publishers Weekly

“Kaag succeeds . . . through his courage to approach Nietzsche, and philosophy in general, from a personal―and not just intellectual―perspective . . . A meditative work full of self-understanding that will resonate with anyone who has ever been drawn toward the void.” —Kirkus

Praise

“Fusing intense emotion with unflinching analysis, Kaag invites readers to make philosophy a life-elevating adventure.” —Booklist

“A wonderful introduction to Nietzsche set against the unique backdrop of the landscape and cities he experienced. The tone and writing style make it accessible to general readers, while the content will reward those familiar with Nietzsche as well.” —Library Journal

“A searing, very personal journey through John Kaag’s Nietzschean abyss.” ―Sue Prideaux, author of I Am Dynamite: A Life of Friedrich Nietzsche

“John Kaag is the perfect guide for this bold trek, a journey from solitude and yearning to mature acceptance and, well, love. An elegant reckoning with the tough questions, a challenging lesson in philosophy, a deep pleasure to read.” ―James Carroll, author of Constantine’s Sword and The Cloister

“I never truly appreciated Friedrich Nietzsche. I might even have been a little afraid of him. But Hiking with Nietzsche changed that. John Kaag’s luminous new book provides the reader with a deep understanding of and empathy for the philosopher’s thought, along with capacious and original insights into companionship, marriage, fatherhood, solitude, decadence, self-deception, self-actualization, despair, and, finally, joy.” ―Eileen Pollack, author of The Only Woman in the Room: Why Science Is Still a Boys’ Club

About The Author

John Kaag

John Kaag, a renowned Professor of Philosophy at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, is not just an ordinary academic. He is also the brilliant author behind the captivating book, “American Philosophy: A Love Story.” This extraordinary tale takes readers on a journey through a lost library, a forgotten American intellectual tradition, and the rediscovery of a lost soul.

Life’s Purpose

In a tumultuous marriage and a stagnant career, Kaag finds himself adrift, searching for meaning and purpose. It is during this time that he stumbles upon West Wind, a dilapidated estate nestled in the remote wilderness of New Hampshire. Little does he know that this decaying mansion once belonged to the esteemed Harvard philosopher, William Ernest Hocking. Hocking, a direct descendant of the legendary William James, is considered one of the last great thinkers of American philosophy. Kaag feels an immediate connection to Hocking and his intellectual lineage, particularly to James, who famously pondered the question, “Is life worth living?”

Library to Writer

As Kaag explores the Hocking library, he is confronted with a disheartening sight. The books, once treasures of knowledge, are now infested with insects and covered in mold. However, Kaag’s determination is unwavering. He recognizes the immense value of these volumes and makes it his mission to restore them to their former glory. Within the library’s weathered pages, he discovers handwritten notes from literary giants like Whitman and inscriptions from the iconic Frost. Moreover, he uncovers astonishingly rare first editions of influential philosophers such as Hobbes, Descartes, and Kant. This remarkable find sets Kaag on an exhilarating path, delving into the profound tenets of American philosophy – self-reliance, pragmatism, and transcendence. Along this transformative voyage, he encounters a brilliant young Kantian scholar who becomes his partner in the restoration of the Hocking books.

Other Works

“American Philosophy: A Love Story” is not just a mere intellectual history; it is a deeply personal memoir that delves into the realms of love, freedom, and the transformative power of wisdom. Through his experiences, Kaag discovers that true fulfillment lies in embracing the wisdom of the past and allowing it to shape the present. As he navigates the complexities of his own life, he learns valuable lessons about the importance of self-reliance, the practicality of pragmatism, and the transcendence that can be found in the pursuit of knowledge. Ultimately, this fascinating narrative serves as a testament to the profound impact that philosophy can have