That is an interesting reading. I will keep it in my head as I go further. But while I understand it in my head, but do not feel it in my body (and I am continually amazed at how much I feel Nietzsche in my body as well as comprehend him in my head).
> Well, I've grappled with him
I know you have. Maybe the interesting thing about him is that divergent views of his beliefs can arise. I am wondering if Nietzsche, the praiser of non-comformity, is validated by the non-conformity of the responses to his writings.
> Even his fans seem to concede that he's a political
reactionary, i.e. promotor of tyranny and subjugation.
I do not get that. I get a sense of agonistic democracy (Brian learns a new term). He likes the idea of contestation, but not subjugation since subjugation removes the possibility of contestation. In fact, subjugation results in the conformity he wants to avoid.
> He's not for democratic centralism, sure.
Looked that concept up and if wikipedia is accurate, real horrorshow.
> He's not for democracy at all.
I think he is for a democracy where there is constant resistance and struggle and democratic procedures function as measures of how power is arrayed at any particular moment.
Also, thanks to all who told me where to look in Bataille. I am off to the bookstore after work. (I have also begun Deleuze on Nietzsche and have Danto waiting in the wings -- though he seems terrified of old Fred and desperately wants to tame him).
Brian