Volume Ii Part 61 (1/2)
DESTRUCTIONS OF ILLUSIONS.-Illusions are certainly expensive amus.e.m.e.nts; but the destruction of illusions is still more expensive, if looked upon as an amus.e.m.e.nt, as it undoubtedly is by some people.
313.
THE MONOTONE OF THE ”SAGE.”-Cows sometimes have a look of wondering which stops short on the path to questioning. In the eye of the higher intelligence, on the other hand, the _nil admirari_ is spread out like the monotony of the cloudless sky.
314.
NOT TO BE ILL TOO LONG.-We should beware of being ill too long. The lookers-on become impatient of their customary duty of showing sympathy, because they find it too much trouble to maintain the appearance of this emotion for any length of time. Then they immediately pa.s.s to suspicion of our character, with the conclusion: ”You deserve to be ill, and we need no longer be at pains to show our sympathy.”
315.
A HINT TO ENTHUSIASTS.-He who likes to be carried away, and would fain be carried on high, must beware lest he become too heavy. For instance, he must not learn much, and especially not let himself be crammed with science. Science makes men ponderous-take care, ye enthusiasts!
316.
KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO SURPRISE ONESELF.-He who would see himself as he is, must know how to _surprise_ himself, torch in hand. For with the mind it is as with the body: whoever is accustomed to look at himself in the gla.s.s forgets his ugliness, and only recognises it again by means of the portrait-painter. Yet he even grows used to the picture and forgets his ugliness all over again.-Herein we see the universal law that man cannot endure unalterable ugliness, unless for a moment. He forgets or denies it in all cases.-The moralists must reckon upon that ”moment” for bringing forward their truths.
317.
OPINIONS AND FISH.-We are possessors of our opinions as of fish-that is, in so far as we are possessors of a fish pond. We must go fis.h.i.+ng and have luck-then we have _our_ fish, _our_ opinions. I speak here of live opinions, of live fish. Others are content to possess a cabinet of fossils-and, in their head, ”convictions.”
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SIGNS OF FREEDOM AND SERVITUDE.-To satisfy one's needs so far as possible oneself, even if imperfectly, is the path towards freedom in mind and personality. To satisfy many even superfluous needs, and that as fully as possible, is a training for servitude. The Sophist Hippias, who himself earned and made all that he wore within and without, is the representative of the highest freedom of mind and personality. It does not matter whether all is done equally well and perfectly-pride can repair the damaged places.