26. The Age of Anxiety, 1880

Quiz for Evaluating the Evidence 26.1: Friedrich Nietzsche Pronounces the Death of God

1. How did the people in the marketplace respond to the madman’s claim that God was dead?

They recoiled in horror.

They made fun of him.

They accused him of blasphemy.

They agreed with him and asked him what was to be done.

Correct. The answer is b. By laughing at the madman, the people in the marketplace indirectly suggested that he was correct.

Incorrect. The answer is b. By laughing at the madman, the people in the marketplace indirectly suggested that he was correct.

1. How did the people in the marketplace respond to the madman’s claim that God was dead?

2. According to Nietzsche, who was responsible for the death of God?

A few madmen

All of us

God himself

Our rulers and leaders

Correct. The answer is b. In Nietzsche’s view, God’s murder was not the responsibility of one person or of one group, but of society as a whole.

Incorrect. The answer is b. In Nietzsche’s view, God’s murder was not the responsibility of one person or of one group, but of society as a whole.

2. According to Nietzsche, who was responsible for the death of God?