In this paper, I seek to show that in Nietzsche's work, the concept of life constitutes a peculiar nerve center; that despite the lack of systematicity in the philosophical treatment of the notion of life, this theme is central to his philosophizing; and further, that even taking into account the conceptual differences between his early and mature philosophy on this theme, it is possible to recognize a certain harmony between them with regard to the perspective of life as a tragic event, an abundance in the making, a game of creation and annihilation in which man is only a part, and not a subject.