Nikos Kazantzakis (1883 – 1957) was a Greek writer, philosopher, and politician, regarded as one of the most important literary figures in modern Greece. Best known for Zorba the Greek (1946) and The Last Temptation of Christ (1955), he explored themes of freedom, existentialism, and spiritual struggle. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature nine times and remains the most translated Greek author worldwide.
Born in Crete under Ottoman rule, Kazantzakis studied law in Athens before pursuing philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris. Deeply influenced by Friedrich Nietzsche and Henri Bergson, his early works blended nationalism with existential thought. He traveled extensively, drawing inspiration from different cultures, and briefly served in Greece’s government.
Kazantzakis' works often sparked controversy, particularly The Last Temptation of Christ, which was condemned by the Vatican. His magnum opus, The Odyssey: A Modern Sequel (1938), reimagined Homer’s hero in a philosophical journey across 33,333 verses.
Despite political and religious opposition, his legacy endures. His epitaph “I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free” reflects his lifelong quest for intellectual and spiritual liberation.