Beyond Good and Evil :: Illuminating Peoples and Countries

Within this Chapter Nietzsche speaks out against nationalistic sentiment within Europe. He indicates the possible emergence of something greater from the sum of its parts. Given the diversity in expression and the interbreeding of ideas within Europe to arrive at German "profundity" it is not possible to answer with any real conviction "what is German"? Nietzsche here is highlighting the stereotypes and characteristics that can be applied to certain races and then reversing them. Purity of the German spirit, femininity of the Jews [as perceived in the anti-semetic culture of the time] and the intelligence of the British, and so on.

In keeping with this reversal of stereotypes Nietzsche asserts that there are those robust and resilient nations and excellent individuals that bring into being something new. Contrary to anti-senetic belief the Jews do not seek to control Europe but to find a home. A position which could be of significant advantage to Europe were they to absorb this strength rather than seek to repel it. Nietzsche here is drawing a distinction between cultures that fertilise other culture with potential, and those that need to birth within them something new. He speaks of other nations [the English] with some disdain, noting that the moralising and religious heights they presently attain may simple be the extent of their contribution to this new kind of man.

Nietzsche asserts that all of Europe is evidently engaged in this project, a movement from "soil-attachment" and "fatherland" towards a new nation. As such whilst such an endeavour will likely initially produce more gregarious mediocre individuals there will also be fertile ground for men of excellence. Such men will have at their disposal all of Europe to shape in their image. Great thinkers and artists of this age [despite the risk of being nothing more than a reinforcement of national sentiment] already lead us towards this goal. With the close of French romanticism a new age is dawning one in which a stronger man may emerge.