What are the goals of a contemporary university education? In which ways are these goals being fulfilled or unfulfilled? These questions form a guiding thread throughout the intellectual career of the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. From announcing the “death of God” to the “arrival of the most unwelcome guest, nihilism,” the tensions inherent in modern intellectual life are linked to the question of education, art and culture.

Often perceived as a crisis, humanities adopted a research-based creation of expertise, which does not necessarily support the maturation of ethically strong and creative individuals. Turning away from merit and genius, have the humanities adopted a technical, mechanical and bureaucratic model?

Nietzsche’s prophetic lectures from his early days in Basel remain key to understanding the successes and failures of the modern university. Based on his lectures “On the Future of Our Educational Institutions,” this Olio presents a much-needed critique of these institutions; critiques that are vital to their survival.