<P> Nietzsche uses the metaphor of an open sea, which can be both exhilarating and terrifying . The people who eventually learn to create their lives anew will represent a new stage in human existence, the Übermensch--i.e. the personal archetype who, through the conquest of their own nihilism, themselves become a sort of mythical hero . The "death of God" is the motivation for Nietzsche's last (uncompleted) philosophical project, the "revaluation of all values". </P> <P> Although Nietzsche puts the statement "God is Dead" into the mouth of a "madman" in The Gay Science, he also uses the phrase in his own voice in sections 108 and 343 of the same book . In the madman's passage, the man is described as running through a marketplace shouting, "I seek God! I seek God!" He arouses some amusement; no one takes him seriously . Maybe he took an ocean voyage? Lost his way like a little child? Maybe he's afraid of us (non-believers) and is hiding?--much laughter . Frustrated, the madman smashes his lantern on the ground, crying out that "God is dead, and we have killed him, you and I!" "But I have come too soon," he immediately realizes, as his detractors of a minute before stare in astonishment: people cannot yet see that they have killed God . He goes on to say: </P> <P> This prodigious event is still on its way, still wandering; it has not yet reached the ears of men . Lightning and thunder require time, the light of the stars requires time, deeds, though done, still require time to be seen and heard . This deed is still more distant from them than the most distant stars--and yet they have done it themselves . </P> <P> Earlier in the book (section 108), Nietzsche wrote "God is Dead; but given the way of men, there may still be caves for thousands of years in which his shadow will be shown . And we--we still have to vanquish his shadow, too ." The protagonist in Thus Spoke Zarathustra also speaks the words, commenting to himself after visiting a hermit who, every day, sings songs and lives to glorify his god as noted above . </P>

How shall we comfort ourselves the murderers of all murderers