# Chapter 137 explained — Beyond Good and Evil

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Offers a psychological observation on the disparity between intellectual/artistic achievement and personal character.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters/137
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters