After his encounter with the Old Man Z continues and arrives at a town. All are assembled to see the rope dancer perform. Z introduces the superman by making enquiries as to what the people have done to surpass man. Z makes the assertion that until this point no one has sought to surpass man.
Nietzsche here introduces the concept of ape, man and superman. The ape [perhaps mans primitive ancestry?] is a thing of ridicule to evolved man and Nietzsche indicates man will also be a thing of shame to the superman.
Z proclaims that the superman is the meaning of the earth. By this mans will to transcend himself to realize his potential [will to power]; is the meaning of this life. Z emplores his listeners to remain true to this life and not be distracted by super-earthly hopes. Those that do otherwise are dispisers of this life. Formerly Z tells us it was considered blasphemy to speak so of the divine. Now, however, it is blasphemy to speak higher of the unknowable or to blaspheme the earth [perhaps the earth is best understood as this life or existence].
Z suggested that the soul [or perhaps more precisely proponents of the soul] look at their body with contempt as they seek to flee this life. Z suggests the soul is self-complacent [perhaps smug or satisfied in itself]. As such who can recieve such an idea and not become poluted? Only the sea [vast, enchanting and unpredictable realm of possibility?] (superman) is sufficient within which to submerge such contempt for life. Only in embracing this life in all its vast, enchanting and unpredictble possibility can contempt of this life be submerged.
Z indicates the greatest experience being my happiness becoming loathsome as with my reason and virtue. Z asks a series of questions aimed at dislodging the superearthly values from their lofty position:
- The good in happiness; rather than judging life on the value of happiness does not my happiness justify my existence itself?
- The good in reason; does my reason hunger for sustinence like the lion hunting for food?
- The good in virtue; does it make one passionate? Perhaps it is just self smugness.
- The good in justice if it does not make me a passionate fuel for change?
- The good in pity given the one who love man was nailed to the cross as a result?
Z enquires if the crowd has ever made such enquiries. He bold asserts their sin does not cry out to heaven but their smug self satisfaction does so instead. Z enquires where the retribution for this smugness rests? Z alludes to the superman being the lightning that will inmoculate man against such contempt for life. Z is not well recieved by the crowd; they ridicule him and call for the rope dancer.
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