In Thus Spake Zarathustra, one of the greatest works of western philosophy, Nietzsche brought a revolutionary and critical approach to the ideas of the past. Proclaiming 'God is dead', he extolled the virtues of the 'Superman' and of individuality in his concept of the 'will to power'. Portrayed as the speeches of the ancient Persian prophet Zarathustra, Nietzsche examines issues of morality, power, death and self-mastery in a passionate and poetic affirmation of life and freedom.