Friedrich Nietzsche's Quotes: Insights into the Mind of a Controversial Philosopher Impactful Quotes That Will Challenge Your Perspective. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) was a German philosopher, cultural critic, and poet. Nietzsche is well-known for his critique of traditional morality and his concept of the "superman" or "Übermensch". The "superman" emphasizes the significance of individual will and self-expression. Nietzsche also explored themes such as nihilism, eternal recurrence, and the nature of existence in his works. Nietzsche's ideas have had a profound impact on philosophy, literature, and cultural studies. His influence continues to be felt in modern times.