The Birth of Tragedy

In the book, Nietzsche created the important concepts of "Apollinian spirit" and "Dionysian spirit". He used this as an entry point to reinterpret ancient Greek culture with a unique perspective and wise language, and then explore the origin, essence and function of art and even the meaning of life. Nietzsche believed that the art of Apollo (Apollo) is represented by sculptures and epics, which is a dream art; the art of Dionysus (Dionysus) is represented by music, which is the art of drunkenness. Greek tragedy originated from the chorus of Dionysian sacrifices and was the product of the fusion of "Apollinian spirit" and "Dionysian spirit". Nietzsche regarded the "Dionysian spirit" as the fundamental foundation of Greek art, that is, "the affirmation of life... The will to life that rejoices in the inexhaustible vitality of its life." He believes that when Greek tragedy reached its peak, the enemy that caused its demise also emerged, that is, the critical spirit of Greek Enlightenment philosophy represented by Socrates. Greek tragedy "died to destruction" in the opposition between Dionysus and Socrates, but Nietzsche predicted that the "Dionysian spirit" will surely reappear, and a new tragic era will surely come.