Book Four: Sections 299–306

Abstract

In these sections Nietzsche goes beyond his earlier description of styling one’s character, to suggest how one might become a poet of one’s life in its entirety. He notes artists have much to teach us in this regard. Countering the common separation of art from science, Nietzsche insists living artistically does not mean shunning science. He examines some important qualities of those who are artists of their lives and considers what makes them happy or unhappy. Nietzsche suggests artistry requires refined senses and thus an Epicurean – not Stoic – approach to life.