[bdeaner]

So I don't get how this author draws the Nietzchean analogy he does.

The Nietzsche and Camus connection seems to be in the common theme of an emphasis upon life and vitality rather than death and that which is anathema to the vital. Nietzsche's beef with religion was only that it emphasized death at the expense of life, and raised weakness above power. Likewise, Camus was quick to point out that one must imagine Sisyphus happy.

On a similar note, I think it is important to distinguish between the "masses" and communitas. The masses represent the unthinking, mob-like mentality of those who attack greatness out of envy, and who appease their own feelings of weakness by identifying with an anonymous collective. The community, on the other hand, is formed by that vital bond between those who gather together to affirm and strengthen the good life.

Does this ring true with your reading of Nietzsche?

[AlbionGirl]

Yes, it does for the most part.

However, when reading Nietzche though I did get the sense that communitas worked only on a very small scale, probably like the Kabutz (sp?) in Israel. But, that as the community expanded, as it was wont to do, the vissitudes of life were capable of transmogrifying it to the 'mob' pretty readily.