Monday's Excerpts - Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by Walter Kaufmann

     If I had read Thus Spoke Zarathustra years ago when my dad first recommended to me, I wouldn't have gotten nearly as much out of it as I did with my first reading in the past two weeks. Likely, I would have misinterpreted most if it as garbage not worth reading or taking seriously. Zarathustra was far more than I had anticipated, and I'm glad I put it off for so many years to fully appreciate now.

     When I finished Zarathustra, I was left speechless. It all wrapped up so wonderfully, a true story came from what I thought - up until the absolute final page - was just a book of aphorisms slapped together by a man that had his concepts about life fairly well put together. However, all of these so-thought random maxims  flawlessly weaving together made the entire concept of the Übermensch complete and believable.
     I want to say more, but I don't want to spoil anything, so I will say this; Thus Spoke Zarathustra is truly an experience for any human being trying to climb over their own head.

This Week's Book: Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by Walter Kaufmann

     Whoever writes in blood and aphorisms does not want to be read but to be learned by heart. In the mountains the shortest way is from peak to peak: but for that one must have long legs. Aphorisms should be peaks—and those who are addressed, tall and lofty. The air thin and pure, danger near, and the spirit full of gay sarcasm: these go well together. I want to have goblins around me, for I am courageous. Courage that puts ghosts to flight creates goblins for itself: courage wants to laugh.

     I no longer feel as you do: this cloud which I see beneath me, this blackness and gravity at which I laugh—this is your thundercloud.

     You look up when you feel the need for elevation. And I look down because I am elevated. Who among you can laugh and be elevated at the same time? Whoever climbs the highest mountains laughs at all tragic plays and tragic seriousness. (Pages 40-41)

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     In your children you shall make up for being the children of your fathers: thus shall you redeem all that is past. . . . (Page 204)

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     “Whoever praises him as a god of love does not have a high enough opinion of love itself. Did this god not want to be a judge too? But the lover loves beyond reward and retribution. (Page 261)

Books read this past week...
★★★★★ Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche, translated by Walter Kaufmann

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