How did Friedrich Nietzsche influence Martin Buber's early thought?

During his early development, Martin Buber was profoundly influenced by Friedrich Nietzsche, whom he regarded as one of the three most important influences in his life. Buber even translated the first part of Nietzsche’s Thus Spoke Zarathustra into Polish.1

Nietzsche’s proclamation of "heroic nihilism" and his sharp critique of modern culture exerted a significant impact on Buber during his university years. This Nietzschean influence was reflected in Buber’s early turn toward Zionism, specifically fueling his call for a return to cultural roots and the pursuit of a more wholesome, authentic existence. While Buber later moved toward his mature philosophy of dialogue, these early engagements with Nietzsche helped shape his initial search for spiritual renewal and his critical stance toward the alienation prevalent in modern society.23