Combat and Classics is a series of podcasts and online seminars that explores the nature of man in conflict and cooperation through socratic dialogue and the great books. For more info visit 
We begin our next “close read” series with the first two sections of Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra, which conclude with the famous line “God is dead.” Lise, Jeff, and Brian discuss Nietzsche’s imagery, allusions, and treatment of questions concerning love, envy, and humanity.
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This was a wonderful close reading. I just listened to it a few days ago. Is it now unavailable? Also, is there a part 2 available? I couldn’t find it, but am very much hoping the contributors will continue their close reading!
Their discussion of the Platonic conception of love (as generated from a lack) in contrast to Nietzsche’s conception of love (as a vital discharge from abundance) is also treated by Max Scheler in his Ressentiment. Scheler rehabilitates–or re-discovers–the Christian conception of love, bringing it in line with Nietzsche’s.
Christian agape, for Scheler, is quite similar to Nietzsche’s “honey-distributing, bestowing virtue,” and nothing like “pity.,” allowing us to consider” Nietzschean Christians” or even a Christian Nietzsche. Hoping the close reading will resume!