Persian literature in Western culture its narrative. Nietzsche, a radical opposer of Greek Metaphysical thought, was the author of the book "Thus Spoke Zarathustra", referring to the ancient Persian prophet Zoroaster, as the prophet of his philosophy. Nietzsche held very high interest and respect for Persians. For example, where he speaks about the Persian notion of history and "cyclical Eternal Time", he writes: "I must pay tribute to Zarathustra, a Persian, for Persians were the first who thought of history in its full entirety." and further adds: ""It was much more fortunate if Persians became masters (Herr) of the Greeks, than the very Romans." But
Medes of the Indo-Iranian word "arta-" (lit. "truth") which is familiar from both Avestan and Old Persian and also examples of theophoric names containing "Maždakku" and also the name "Ahura Mazdā". Scholars disagree whether these are indications of Zoroastrian religion amongst the Medes. Diakonoff believes that "Astyages and perhaps even Cyaxares had already embraced a religion derived from the teachings of Zoroaster" which was not identical with doctrine of Zarathustra and Mary Boyce believes that "the existence of the Magi in Media with their own traditions and forms of worship was an obstacle to Zoroastrian proselytizing there". Boyce wrote that the