Volume Ii Part 2 (1/2)

12.

THE METAPHYSICIANS' KNAPSACK.-To all who talk so boastfully of the scientific basis of their metaphysics it is best to make no reply. It is enough to tug at the bundle that they rather shyly keep hidden behind their backs. If one succeeds in lifting it, the results of that ”scientific basis” come to light, to their great confusion: a dear little ”G.o.d,” a genteel immortality, perhaps a little spiritualism, and in any case a complicated ma.s.s of poor-sinners'-misery and pharisee-arrogance.

13.

OCCASIONAL HARMFULNESS OF KNOWLEDGE.-The utility involved in the unchecked investigation of knowledge is so constantly proved in a hundred different ways that one must remember to include in the bargain the subtler and rarer damage which individuals must suffer on that account. The chemist cannot avoid occasionally being poisoned or burnt at his experiments. What applies to the chemist, is true of the whole of our culture. This, it may be added, clearly shows that knowledge should provide itself with healing balsam against burns and should always have antidotes ready against poisons.

14.

THE CRAVING OF THE PHILISTINE.-The Philistine thinks that his most urgent need is a purple patch or turban of metaphysics, nor will he let it slip.

Yet he would look less ridiculous without this adornment.

15.

ENTHUSIASTS.-With all that enthusiasts say in favour of their gospel or their master they are defending themselves, however much they comport themselves as the judges and not the accused: because they are involuntarily reminded almost at every moment that they are exceptions and have to a.s.sert their legitimacy.

16.

THE GOOD SEDUCES TO LIFE.-All good things, even all good books that are written against life, are strong means of attraction to life.

17.

THE HAPPINESS OF THE HISTORIAN.-”When we hear the hair-splitting metaphysicians and prophets of the after-world speak, we others feel indeed that we are the 'poor in spirit,' but that ours is the heavenly kingdom of change, with spring and autumn, summer and winter, and theirs the after-world, with its grey, everlasting frosts and shadows.” Thus soliloquised a man as he walked in the morning suns.h.i.+ne, a man who in his pursuit of history has constantly changed not only his mind but his heart.

In contrast to the metaphysicians, he is happy to harbour in himself not an ”immortal soul” but many _mortal_ souls.