Mixed Opinions and Maxims B

(Originally written July 16, 2007 in Book 25)

Mixed Opinions and Maxims (continued)

157: Sharpest Criticism

We criticize those who picture our ideal the sharpest

168: Praise of Aphorisms

Aphorisms never lose their savor and are unaffected by time

200: Original

Truly original minds do not see things that are new, but see what is old as new. Those who see the new first normally do so by accident

201 Philosopher's Error

The philosopher believes the value of his work lies in the whole structure, but in reality it is valuable because it can be torn down and rebuilt better. A philosophy is most valuable as building material.

206: Why scholars are nobler than artists

Science requires a sobriety and a simplicity that poetry does not. The scholar must willingly submit to a loss of posthumous fame and therefore is nobler than a poet.

251: In parting

How a soul moves away from another, not how two come together, show how much they belong together.

298: Virtue has not been invented by the Germans

The nobility and lack of envy of Goethe, the noble hermit resignation of Beethoven, the charm and grace of Mozart's heart, the manliness of Handel, and confidence and transfigurement of inner life of Bach do not find it necessary to renounce splendor and success. If these are not German qualities, "it at least shows for what Germans should strive and what they can attain" (157).

309: Siding against oneself

Siding against oneself is unforgivable by our adherents because it is rejection of their love.

325: Opinions

People are nothing without general convictions and public opinions. But the exceptional person rises above this and opinions cease to become public.

341: Loving the monster

Monsters love monsters as apprentices cannot

346: Being Misunderstood

When one is misunderstood completely he must realize it is impossible to remove completely a single misunderstanding. If he does not realize this he will waste all of his energy on defending himself.

404: How duty acquires splendor

"The means for changing your iron duty to gold in everyone's eyes is this: always keep a little more than you promise" (158).

405: Prayer to man

Forgive us our virtues, thus one should pray to man.

408: The journey to Hades

I have spoken to the dead. 8 Men do I always keep my eyes upon: Epicurus and Montaigne, Goethe and Spinoza, Plato and Rousseau, Pascal and Schopenhauer. These men, though dead appear to me lusting for life. Eternal aliveness is what counts.