233-
The most Dangerous Point of View.
The most Dangerous Point of View.
Nietzsche - v10 - The Joyful Wisdom
—You have a noble
ideal before your eyes: but are you also such a
noble stone that such a divine image could be
formed out of you? And without that—is not all
your labour barbaric sculpturing? A blasphemy
of your ideal?
216.
Danger in the Voice. —With a very loud voice
a person is almost incapable of reflecting on
subtle matters.
217.
Cause and Effect. —Before the effect one believes
in other causes than after the effect.
218.
My Antipathy. —I do not like those people who,
in order to produce an effect, have to burst like
bombs, and in whose neighbourhood one is always
in danger of suddenly losing one's hearing—or
even something more.
219.
The Object of Punishment. —The object of punish-
ment is to improve him who punishes,—that is the
ultimate appeal of those who justify punishment.
220.
Sacrifice. —The victims think otherwise than the
spectators about sacrifice and sacrificing: but they
have never been allowed to express their opinion.
## p. 200 (#258) ############################################
2CO THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
221.
Consideration. —Fathers and sons are much more
considerate of one another than mothers and
daughters.
222.
Poet and Liar. —The poet sees in the liar his
foster-brother whose milk he has drunk up; the
latter has thus remained wretched, and has not
even attained to a good conscience.
223.
Vicariousness of the Senses. —" We have also eyes
in order to hear with them,"—said an old confessor
who had grown deaf; "and among the blind he
that has the longest ears is king. "
224.
Animal Criticism. —I fear the animals regard
man as a being like themselves, very seriously
endangered by a loss of sound animal understand-
ing ; — they regard him perhaps as the absurd
animal, the laughing animal, the crying animal,
the unfortunate animal.
225.
The Natural. —" Evil has always had the great
effect! And Nature is evil! Let us therefore be
natural! "—so reason secretly the great aspirants
after effect, who are too often counted among great
men.
## p. 201 (#259) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 201
226.
The Distrustful and their Style. —We say the
strongest things simply, provided people are about
us who believe in our strength:—such an environ-
ment educates to "simplicity of style. " The
distrustful, on the other hand, speak emphatically;
they make things emphatic.
227.
Fallacy, Fallacy. — He cannot rule himself;
therefore that woman concludes that it will be
easy to rule him, and throws out her lines to
catch him ;—the poor creature, who in a short
time will be his slave.
228.
Against Mediators. —He who attempts to mediate
between two decided thinkers is rightly called
mediocre: he has not an eye for seeing the unique;
similarising and equalising are signs of weak eyes.
229.
Obstinacy and Loyalty. —Out of obstinacy he
holds fast to a cause of which the questionableness
has become obvious,—he calls that, however, his
"loyalty. "
230.
Lack of Reserve. —His whole nature fails to
convince—that results from the fact that he has
never been reticent about a good action he has
performed.
## p. 202 (#260) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231.
The "Plodders"—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion:—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
that is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —" Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
235-
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
\
## p. 203 (#261) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239-
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 203 (#262) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231.
The "Plodders. "—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion :—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
that is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —"Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
235.
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
## p. 203 (#263) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239-
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 203 (#264) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231-
The "Plodders. "—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion:—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
tltat is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —"Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
23S.
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
## p. 203 (#265) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239-
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 203 (#266) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231.
The "Plodders. "—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion :—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
that is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —"Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
235.
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
## p. 203 (#267) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239.
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 203 (#268) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231.
The "Plodders. "—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion:—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
that is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —"Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
235-
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
## p. 203 (#269) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239-
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 203 (#270) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231.
The "Plodders. "—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion:—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
that is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —"Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
235-
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
## p. 203 (#271) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
.
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239-
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 204 (#272) ############################################
204 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
into the sea,—I should like to have some secrets
in common with that beautiful monster.
241.
Work and Artist. —This artist is ambitious and
nothing more; ultimately, however, his work is
only a magnifying glass, which he offers to every
one who looks in his direction.
242.
Suum cuique. —However great be my greed of
knowledge, I cannot appropriate aught of things
but what already belongs to me,—the property of
others still remains in the things. How is it
possible for a man to be a thief or a robber?
243-
Origin of "Good" and "Bad. "—He only will
devise an improvement who can feel that " this is
not good. "
244.
Thoughts and Words. —Even our thoughts we
are unable to render completely in words.
245.
Praise in Choice. —The artist chooses his subjects;
that is his mode of praising.
246.
Mathematics. —We want to carry the refinement
and rigour of mathematics into all the sciences, as
far as it is in any way possible, not in the belief that
## p. 205 (#273) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 205
we shall apprehend things in this way, but in order
thereby to assert our human relation to things.
Mathematics is only a means to general and
ultimate human knowledge.
247.
Habits. —All habits make our hand wittier and
our wit unhandier.
248.
Books. —Of what account is a book that never
carries us away beyond all books?
249.
The Sigh of the Seeker of Knowledge. —" Oh, my
covetousness! In this soul there is no disinterested-
ness—but an all-desiring self, which, by means of
many individuals, would fain see as with its own
eyes, and grasp as with its own hands—a self
bringing back even the entire past, and wanting
to lose nothing that could in any way belong to it!
Oh, this flame of my covetousness! Oh, that I
were reincarnated in a hundred individuals! "—He
who does not know this sigh by experience, does
not know the passion of the seeker of knowledge
either.
250.
Guilt. —Although the most intelligent judges of
the witches, and even the witches themselves, were
convinced of the guilt of witchcraft, the guilt,
nevertheless, was not there. So it is with all
guilt.
## p. 206 (#274) ############################################
206 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
251.
Misunderstood Sufferers. —Great natures suffer
otherwise than their worshippers imagine; they
suffer most severely from the ignoble, petty emo-
tions of certain evil moments; in short, from doubt
of their own greatness;—not however from the
sacrifices and martyrdoms which their tasks require
of them. As long as Prometheus sympathises
with men and sacrifices himself for them, he is
happy and proud in himself; but on becoming
envious of Zeus and of the homage which mortals
pay him—then Prometheus suffers!
252.
Better to be in Debt. —" Better to remain in debt
than to pay with money which does not bear our
stamp! "—that is what our sovereignty prefers.
253-
Always at Home. —One day we attain our goal—
and then refer with pride to the long journeys we
have made to reach it. In truth, we did not notice
that we travelled. We got into the habit of think-
ing that we were at home in every place.
254.
Against Embarrassment. —He who is always
thoroughly occupied is rid of all embarrassment.
255-
Imitators. —A : "What? You don't want to have
imitators? " B: "I don't want people to do any-
## p. 207 (#275) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 207
thing after me; I want every one to do something
before himself (as a pattern to himself)—just as /
do. " A: "Consequently—? "
256.
Skinniness. —All profound men have their happi-
ness in imitating the flying-fish for once, and
playing on the crests of the waves; they think
that what is best of all in things is their surface:
their skinniness—sit venia verbo.
257.
From Experience. —A person often does not know
how rich he is, until he learns from experience what
rich men even play the thief on him.
258.
The Deniers of Chance. —No conqueror believes
in chance.
259.
From Paradise. —"Good and Evil are God's
prejudices "—said the serpent.
260.
One times One. —One only is always in the wrong,
but with two truth begins. —One only cannot
prove himself right; but two are already beyond
refutation.
261.
Originality. —What is originality? To see some-
thing that does not yet bear a name, that cannot
yet be named, although it is before everybody's
## p. 208 (#276) ############################################
208 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
eyes. As people are usually constituted, it is the
name that first makes a thing generally visible to
them. —Original persons have also for the most
part been the namers of things.
262.
Sub specie aeterni. —A: "You withdraw faster
and faster from the living; they will soon strike
you out of their lists ! "—B: "It is the only way
to participate in the privilege of the dead. " A:
"In what privilege ? "—B: "No longer having to
die. "
263.
Without Vanity. —When we love we want our
defects to remain concealed,—not out of vanity, but
lest the person loved should suffer therefrom.
Indeed, the lover would like to appear as a God,—
and not out of vanity either.
264.
What we Do. —What we do is never understood,
but only praised and blamed.
265.
Ultimate Scepticism. —But what after all are
man's truths ? —They are his irrefutable errors.
266.
Where Cruelty is Necessary. —He who is great is
cruel to his second-rate virtues and judgments.
## p. 209 (#277) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 209
267.
With a high Aim. —With a high aim a person
is superior even to justice, and not only to his
deeds and his judges.
268.
What makes Heroic? —To face simultaneously
one's greatest suffering and one's highest hope.
269.
What dost thou Believe in ? —In this: That the
weights of all things must be determined anew.
270.
What Saith thy Conscience? —"Thou shalt become
what thou art. "
271.
Where are thy Greatest Dangers? —In pity.
272.
What dost thou Love in others ? —My hopes.
273-
Whom dost thou call Bad? —Him who always
wants to put others to shame.
274.
What dost thou think most humane ? —To spare
a person shame.
275.
What is the Seal of Liberty Attained? —To be
no longer ashamed of oneself.
14
## p. 210 (#278) ############################################
## p. 211 (#279) ############################################
BOOK FOURTH
SANCTUS JANUARIUS
Thou who with cleaving fiery
lances
The stream of my soul from
its ice dost free,
Till with a rush and a roar it
advances
To enter with glorious hoping
the sea:
Brighter to see and purer ever,
Free in the bonds of thy sweet
constraint,—
So it praises thy wondrous en-
deavour,
January, thou beauteous saint!
Genoa, January 1882.
V
## p. 212 (#280) ############################################
## p. 213 (#281) ############################################
276.
For the New Year. —I still live, I still think; I
must still live, for I must still think.
ideal before your eyes: but are you also such a
noble stone that such a divine image could be
formed out of you? And without that—is not all
your labour barbaric sculpturing? A blasphemy
of your ideal?
216.
Danger in the Voice. —With a very loud voice
a person is almost incapable of reflecting on
subtle matters.
217.
Cause and Effect. —Before the effect one believes
in other causes than after the effect.
218.
My Antipathy. —I do not like those people who,
in order to produce an effect, have to burst like
bombs, and in whose neighbourhood one is always
in danger of suddenly losing one's hearing—or
even something more.
219.
The Object of Punishment. —The object of punish-
ment is to improve him who punishes,—that is the
ultimate appeal of those who justify punishment.
220.
Sacrifice. —The victims think otherwise than the
spectators about sacrifice and sacrificing: but they
have never been allowed to express their opinion.
## p. 200 (#258) ############################################
2CO THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
221.
Consideration. —Fathers and sons are much more
considerate of one another than mothers and
daughters.
222.
Poet and Liar. —The poet sees in the liar his
foster-brother whose milk he has drunk up; the
latter has thus remained wretched, and has not
even attained to a good conscience.
223.
Vicariousness of the Senses. —" We have also eyes
in order to hear with them,"—said an old confessor
who had grown deaf; "and among the blind he
that has the longest ears is king. "
224.
Animal Criticism. —I fear the animals regard
man as a being like themselves, very seriously
endangered by a loss of sound animal understand-
ing ; — they regard him perhaps as the absurd
animal, the laughing animal, the crying animal,
the unfortunate animal.
225.
The Natural. —" Evil has always had the great
effect! And Nature is evil! Let us therefore be
natural! "—so reason secretly the great aspirants
after effect, who are too often counted among great
men.
## p. 201 (#259) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 201
226.
The Distrustful and their Style. —We say the
strongest things simply, provided people are about
us who believe in our strength:—such an environ-
ment educates to "simplicity of style. " The
distrustful, on the other hand, speak emphatically;
they make things emphatic.
227.
Fallacy, Fallacy. — He cannot rule himself;
therefore that woman concludes that it will be
easy to rule him, and throws out her lines to
catch him ;—the poor creature, who in a short
time will be his slave.
228.
Against Mediators. —He who attempts to mediate
between two decided thinkers is rightly called
mediocre: he has not an eye for seeing the unique;
similarising and equalising are signs of weak eyes.
229.
Obstinacy and Loyalty. —Out of obstinacy he
holds fast to a cause of which the questionableness
has become obvious,—he calls that, however, his
"loyalty. "
230.
Lack of Reserve. —His whole nature fails to
convince—that results from the fact that he has
never been reticent about a good action he has
performed.
## p. 202 (#260) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231.
The "Plodders"—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion:—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
that is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —" Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
235-
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
\
## p. 203 (#261) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239-
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 203 (#262) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231.
The "Plodders. "—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion :—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
that is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —"Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
235.
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
## p. 203 (#263) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239-
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 203 (#264) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231-
The "Plodders. "—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion:—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
tltat is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —"Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
23S.
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
## p. 203 (#265) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239-
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 203 (#266) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231.
The "Plodders. "—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion :—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
that is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —"Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
235.
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
## p. 203 (#267) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239.
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 203 (#268) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231.
The "Plodders. "—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion:—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
that is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —"Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
235-
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
## p. 203 (#269) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239-
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 203 (#270) ############################################
202 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
231.
The "Plodders. "—Persons slow of apprehension
think that slowness forms part of knowledge.
232.
Dreaming. —Either one does not dream at all,
or one dreams in an interesting manner. One
must learn to be awake in the same fashion:—
either not at all, or in an interesting manner.
233-
The most Dangerous Point of View. —What I
now do, or neglect to do, is as important for all
that is to come, as the greatest event of the past:
in this immense perspective of effects all actions
are equally great and small.
234-
Consolatory Words of a Musician. —"Your life
does not sound into people's ears: for them you
live a dumb life, and all refinements of melody,
all fond resolutions in following or leading the
way, are concealed from them. To be sure you do
not parade the thoroughfares with regimental
music,—but these good people have no right to
say on that account that your life is lacking in
music. He that hath ears let him hear. "
235-
Spirit and Character. —Many a one attains his
full height of character, but his spirit is not adapted
to the elevation,—and many a one reversely.
## p. 203 (#271) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 203
.
236.
To Move the Multitude. —Is it not necessary for
him who wants to move the multitude to give a
stage representation of himself? Has he not first
to translate himself into the grotesquely obvious,
and then set forth his whole personality and cause
in that vulgarised and simplified fashion?
237-
The Polite Man. —" He is so polite! "—Yes, he
has always a sop for Cerberus with him, and is
so timid that he takes everybody for Cerberus,
even you and me,—that is his " politeness. "
238.
Without Envy. —He is wholly without envy, but
there is no merit therein: for he wants to conquer
a land which no one has yet possessed and hardly
any one has even seen.
239-
The Joyless Person. —A single joyless person
is enough to make constant displeasure and a
clouded heaven in a household; and it is only
by a miracle that such a person is lacking! —
Happiness is not nearly such a contagious disease;
—how is that?
240.
On the Sea-Shore. —I would not build myself a
house (it is an element of my happiness not to be
a house-owner! ). If I had to do so, however, I
should build it, like many of the Romans, right
## p. 204 (#272) ############################################
204 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
into the sea,—I should like to have some secrets
in common with that beautiful monster.
241.
Work and Artist. —This artist is ambitious and
nothing more; ultimately, however, his work is
only a magnifying glass, which he offers to every
one who looks in his direction.
242.
Suum cuique. —However great be my greed of
knowledge, I cannot appropriate aught of things
but what already belongs to me,—the property of
others still remains in the things. How is it
possible for a man to be a thief or a robber?
243-
Origin of "Good" and "Bad. "—He only will
devise an improvement who can feel that " this is
not good. "
244.
Thoughts and Words. —Even our thoughts we
are unable to render completely in words.
245.
Praise in Choice. —The artist chooses his subjects;
that is his mode of praising.
246.
Mathematics. —We want to carry the refinement
and rigour of mathematics into all the sciences, as
far as it is in any way possible, not in the belief that
## p. 205 (#273) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 205
we shall apprehend things in this way, but in order
thereby to assert our human relation to things.
Mathematics is only a means to general and
ultimate human knowledge.
247.
Habits. —All habits make our hand wittier and
our wit unhandier.
248.
Books. —Of what account is a book that never
carries us away beyond all books?
249.
The Sigh of the Seeker of Knowledge. —" Oh, my
covetousness! In this soul there is no disinterested-
ness—but an all-desiring self, which, by means of
many individuals, would fain see as with its own
eyes, and grasp as with its own hands—a self
bringing back even the entire past, and wanting
to lose nothing that could in any way belong to it!
Oh, this flame of my covetousness! Oh, that I
were reincarnated in a hundred individuals! "—He
who does not know this sigh by experience, does
not know the passion of the seeker of knowledge
either.
250.
Guilt. —Although the most intelligent judges of
the witches, and even the witches themselves, were
convinced of the guilt of witchcraft, the guilt,
nevertheless, was not there. So it is with all
guilt.
## p. 206 (#274) ############################################
206 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
251.
Misunderstood Sufferers. —Great natures suffer
otherwise than their worshippers imagine; they
suffer most severely from the ignoble, petty emo-
tions of certain evil moments; in short, from doubt
of their own greatness;—not however from the
sacrifices and martyrdoms which their tasks require
of them. As long as Prometheus sympathises
with men and sacrifices himself for them, he is
happy and proud in himself; but on becoming
envious of Zeus and of the homage which mortals
pay him—then Prometheus suffers!
252.
Better to be in Debt. —" Better to remain in debt
than to pay with money which does not bear our
stamp! "—that is what our sovereignty prefers.
253-
Always at Home. —One day we attain our goal—
and then refer with pride to the long journeys we
have made to reach it. In truth, we did not notice
that we travelled. We got into the habit of think-
ing that we were at home in every place.
254.
Against Embarrassment. —He who is always
thoroughly occupied is rid of all embarrassment.
255-
Imitators. —A : "What? You don't want to have
imitators? " B: "I don't want people to do any-
## p. 207 (#275) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 207
thing after me; I want every one to do something
before himself (as a pattern to himself)—just as /
do. " A: "Consequently—? "
256.
Skinniness. —All profound men have their happi-
ness in imitating the flying-fish for once, and
playing on the crests of the waves; they think
that what is best of all in things is their surface:
their skinniness—sit venia verbo.
257.
From Experience. —A person often does not know
how rich he is, until he learns from experience what
rich men even play the thief on him.
258.
The Deniers of Chance. —No conqueror believes
in chance.
259.
From Paradise. —"Good and Evil are God's
prejudices "—said the serpent.
260.
One times One. —One only is always in the wrong,
but with two truth begins. —One only cannot
prove himself right; but two are already beyond
refutation.
261.
Originality. —What is originality? To see some-
thing that does not yet bear a name, that cannot
yet be named, although it is before everybody's
## p. 208 (#276) ############################################
208 THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III
eyes. As people are usually constituted, it is the
name that first makes a thing generally visible to
them. —Original persons have also for the most
part been the namers of things.
262.
Sub specie aeterni. —A: "You withdraw faster
and faster from the living; they will soon strike
you out of their lists ! "—B: "It is the only way
to participate in the privilege of the dead. " A:
"In what privilege ? "—B: "No longer having to
die. "
263.
Without Vanity. —When we love we want our
defects to remain concealed,—not out of vanity, but
lest the person loved should suffer therefrom.
Indeed, the lover would like to appear as a God,—
and not out of vanity either.
264.
What we Do. —What we do is never understood,
but only praised and blamed.
265.
Ultimate Scepticism. —But what after all are
man's truths ? —They are his irrefutable errors.
266.
Where Cruelty is Necessary. —He who is great is
cruel to his second-rate virtues and judgments.
## p. 209 (#277) ############################################
THE JOYFUL WISDOM, III 209
267.
With a high Aim. —With a high aim a person
is superior even to justice, and not only to his
deeds and his judges.
268.
What makes Heroic? —To face simultaneously
one's greatest suffering and one's highest hope.
269.
What dost thou Believe in ? —In this: That the
weights of all things must be determined anew.
270.
What Saith thy Conscience? —"Thou shalt become
what thou art. "
271.
Where are thy Greatest Dangers? —In pity.
272.
What dost thou Love in others ? —My hopes.
273-
Whom dost thou call Bad? —Him who always
wants to put others to shame.
274.
What dost thou think most humane ? —To spare
a person shame.
275.
What is the Seal of Liberty Attained? —To be
no longer ashamed of oneself.
14
## p. 210 (#278) ############################################
## p. 211 (#279) ############################################
BOOK FOURTH
SANCTUS JANUARIUS
Thou who with cleaving fiery
lances
The stream of my soul from
its ice dost free,
Till with a rush and a roar it
advances
To enter with glorious hoping
the sea:
Brighter to see and purer ever,
Free in the bonds of thy sweet
constraint,—
So it praises thy wondrous en-
deavour,
January, thou beauteous saint!
Genoa, January 1882.
V
## p. 212 (#280) ############################################
## p. 213 (#281) ############################################
276.
For the New Year. —I still live, I still think; I
must still live, for I must still think.
