Nietzsche and Mark Twain: The Art of Satire

Abstract

This essay explores the greatly underestimated influence of Mark Twain on Nietzsche’s style and works. In particular, Nietzsche read Twain during 1875 to 1879 while he was developing his “philosophy of the free spirit.” The reading of the American writer helped him to find a critical point of view on the ideals and culture of his time and allowed him to detach himself from them. In particular, Nietzsche appreciated the social, cultural, and political values of Twain's satire, which inspired Nietzsche to develop his own style. While invective is a direct critique born from indignation and anger and aimed to give rise to the same feelings in the audience, Nietzsche thinks of satire as an indirect critique that allows one to distance oneself from certain values and attitudes, and to overcome hatred and resentment. This is precisely the reason why Nietzsche employs satire as a strategy to overcome the decadent culture of his own time.