Beyond Good and Evil :: Illuminating We Scholars

As science has emerged from philosophy there has been an emergent power struggle between the philosopher, the schollar and the scientist and a confusion of terms. Largely in Nietzsche opinions because of philosophys aspiration to "knowledge" rather than the aspiration to "life" the latter of which he asserts is a philosophy worthy to rule. Furthermore there are many pitfalls as the philosopher seeks to evolve. Namely the interlectual allure of the schollar and scientist, and the challenge in the face of uncertainty to say yes to life and its worth. The scholar and the scientist smack of religion in so far as they fail to promote self-sufficiency and self-rule.

Nietzsche asserts the scientist is nothing more than a costly measuring tool that, like a mirror, reflects the forms around itself yet has no purpose in itself. The schollar conversely is full of petty envy and highlights petty criticisms when faced with heights he cannot conquer. Confident until one greater arrives forcing him into cold submission. Yet Nietzsche asserts what is needed is courage and daring to go further; to stand alone and be held accountable for it. Whilst it may be that such a philosopher emerges from academic or scientific contexts he cannot remain there.

The true Philosophers task is not merely to reflect or know about existing values but to create them. For Nietzsche then this is consistent with the idea that life is more than the acquisition of knowledge like the schollar, or the inauthentic reflection of life around us like the scientist. To truly affirm life requires risking oneself, embodying something, and playing the bad game rather than withdrawing into mediocrity when things are difficult. The true philosopher isn't something to "know" but something to be.

Nietzsche indicates towards the end of this chapter that the emergence of true philosophers is not accidental. He uses the analogy of breeding or perhaps more clearly "inheritance" to indicate how such individuals might emerge. The comment here contextually seems to indicate these are those willing to engage with the great wealth of thought that precedes them. From this position one is equipped to command others. He indicates that whilst the herd may oooh and ahhh at the glory of the true philosopher, such paths are not for those willing to substitute entertainment for genuine engagement with the ideas. That the true philosophers task is to take a knife to the heart of the virtues of his age; to aid man in the discovery of greatness, and embodying what man can become, to move him past values of a former age.