About this episode

This episode discusses Nietzsche's views on the evolving nature of identity and roles in modern society as presented in 'The Gay Science'.

In this chapter of our readthrough, we confront "the problem of the actor". Nietzsche predicts that things shall become ever more "artistic" in Europe, as the actor's talent self-falsification becomes developed in all members of society. Whereas in the Middle Ages, the individual was bound to his role as an unchangeable identity, the modern person picks up and discards roles: he gives the appearance of being a given type, but is often obliged to change roles. Nietzsche continues to increasingly offer reversals of perspective, at times even differing with previous assertions in this very same work. Episode art: Giandomenico Tiepolo, Pulcinella in Love, 1797 (A depiction of the masked actors of the Commedia dell'arte).

More episodes of The Nietzsche Podcast

• The Gay Science #22 (V.348-355) · July 14, 2026 · 1h 55m
• The Gay Science #21 (V.343-347) · July 7, 2026 · 2h 6m
• Q&A #15 · June 30, 2026 · 2h 50m
• 144: Georges Bataille, part 2 - 1944 Diaries · June 23, 2026 · 1h 44m
• 143: Georges Bataille, part 1 - On Nietzsche · June 16, 2026 · 1h 54m

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