Abstract

This paper aims to show that Nietzsche conceives history not only as a theoretical discipline, but also as a way of living-a way of experiencing reality. History must hence be reconsidered as “historical sense” rather than as historical science. When properly conceived and suitably controlled, the “historical sense” is indeed valued by Nietzsche as a means for modern man to regain his health, and as an indispensable virtue of the true philosopher. This virtue appears in turn as a constituent element of the notion of “genealogy” that Nietzsche introduces in 1887.