What Is the Tragedy of Thus Spoke Zarathustra ?

Abstract: This essay explores Friedrich Nietzsche’s description of Thus Spoke Zarathustra as a “tragedy” in view of his reference to the book as “a book for all and none.” It argues that the book is tragic insofar as Zarathustra fails to communicate his humanity-saving message and, as such, he stands as a universal figure that expresses our existential solitude. In this respect the book is for everyone. It also argues that the book is a therapeutic work that expresses an unachievable conception of health that is inconsistent with the human condition. In the latter respect, the book is for no one.