4. Nietzsche’s psychology of religion in Human, All Too Human and Daybreak

Abstract

This chapter is devoted to examining Nietzsche’s psychological approach to religion in HH and D. Although this involves clarification and reconstruction, the aim of the chapter is not primarily to present a summary of Nietzsche’s views. A mere systematizing summary would run the risk of depriving the reader of a sense for the rich affective dimension of Nietzsche’s text, which is precisely what concerns us. So besides presenting Nietzsche’s thinking about the topic on the basis of the content of the works (sections 4.1 and 4.3), this chapter also explores what can be said about Nietzsche’s use of mood in these two works and to what extent that should influence the interpretation of his remarks on religion (sections 4.2 and 4.4). These latter questions are pursued through a critical engagement with the work of Jacob Golomb (on HH) and Rebecca Bamford (on D). Many scholars have made scattered, cursory remarks about Nietzsche’s use of affective means in his writings, but these two are the only scholars who have paid serious attention to Nietzsche’s use of mood in these specific works. If indeed mood is central to the conception of these early works, there is reason to assume that it is of no small importance to examine its role thoroughly. The question of mood is worth more than a footnote or two, if one aims for a viable reading.