Two brands of nihilism

As philosopher and poet Nietzsche's work is not easily conformable to the
traditional schools of thought within philosophy. However, an unmistakable concern with
the role of religion and values penetrates much of his work. Contrary to the tradition
before him, Nietzsche launches vicious diatribes against Christianity and the dualistic
philosophies he finds essentially life denying. Despite his early tutelage under the influence
of Schopenhauer's philosophy, Nietzsche later philosophy indicates a refusal to cast
existence as embroiled in pessimism but, instead, as that which should be affi…