Beyond Good and Evil · Chapter
Chapter 137 explained
The narrator warns against making opposite errors when judging scholars and artists, noting that a remarkable scholar is often a mediocre person, while a mediocre artist can be a very remarkable person.
What happens
The narrator warns against making opposite errors when judging scholars and artists, noting that a remarkable scholar is often a mediocre person, while a mediocre artist can be a very remarkable person.
Themes in this chapter
Psychology as the Fundamental Science
Applies psychological insight to evaluate the personal worth behind professional or creative facades, distinguishing the person from their output.
Nobility and Order of Rank
Implies a hierarchy of human types where personal 'remarkableness' (potentially nobility of soul) is not determined by scholarly fame or artistic mediocrity.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Offers a psychological observation on the disparity between intellectual/artistic achievement and personal character.
Key passages
“in a remarkable scholar one not infrequently finds a mediocre man; and often, even in a mediocre artist, one finds a very remarkable man.”
Great intellectual achievement often masks a small person, while modest artistic talent can conceal a person of great depth.
Highlights the potential inverse relationship between professional reputation and personal stature.