# Chapter 107 explained — Beyond Good and Evil

> Chapter companion for Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche.

## What happens

The aphorism defines a sign of strong character as the ability to ignore even the best counterarguments after a decision is made, framing this occasional 'will to stupidity' as a necessary expression of will.

## Themes in this chapter

### Will to Power

The 'will to stupidity' is presented as a specific, potent manifestation of the will to power, where the assertion of a decision overrides reason itself.

### Psychology as the Fundamental Science

Analyzes a psychological trait (strong character) not as rationality but as a deliberate, willful act of ignoring reason.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Presents the psychological observation on the nature of strong will and decisive action.

## Key lines

> A sign of strong character, when once the resolution has been taken, to shut the ear even to the best counterarguments.

True strength of character is shown by refusing to listen to opposing arguments after making a decision.

_Defines a behavioral hallmark of decisive strength._

> Occasionally, therefore, a will to stupidity.

This sometimes means actively choosing to be 'stupid' or ignore reason.

_Posits this decisive action as a deliberate, willful embrace of non-rationality._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters/107
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters