Beyond Good and Evil · Chapter
Chapter 253 explained
Nietzsche critiques the ascendancy of mediocre, English-originated 'modern ideas' (exemplified by Darwin, Mill, and Spencer) in European taste, arguing they depress intelligence and represent a plebeian spirit.
What happens
Nietzsche critiques the ascendancy of mediocre, English-originated 'modern ideas' (exemplified by Darwin, Mill, and Spencer) in European taste, arguing they depress intelligence and represent a plebeian spirit. He contrasts this with the creative, value-setting 'exceptions' who are not suited for mere fact-collection, and defends France as the true source of European nobility in sentiment and manners.
Themes in this chapter
Nobility and Order of Rank
Central theme. Contrasts the 'European noblesse' (of French invention) with the 'European ignobleness' and 'plebeianism of modern ideas' (of English invention). Distinguishes the 'highly developed and independently soaring minds' (exceptions, creators of new values) from the 'mediocre minds' best adapted for collecting common facts.
Critique of Modernity
Identifies 'modern ideas' (the ideas of the 18th century, French ideas) as being of English origin and responsible for a 'general depression of European intelligence' and a plebeian spirit.
Characters to notice
- Charles Darwin
Cited as an example of a respectable but mediocre English thinker whose 'narrowness, aridity, and industrious carefulness' may have been favorable for his scientific discoveries, but whose influence represents a depressing mediocrity.
- Europeans
The middle-class region of European taste is depicted as succumbing to the influence of mediocre English ideas, leading to a general depression of intelligence.
- The French
Described as the 'apes and actors' of English-originated modern ideas, and as the first victims of this Anglomania, which thinned their soul. However, France is credited as the true source of European 'noblesse' in sentiment, taste, and manners.
- The Germans
Mentioned as having risen up with 'profound disgust' against the 'modern ideas' of English origin.
Key passages
“there are truths which are best recognized by mediocre minds, because they are best adapted for them”
Some truths are only accessible and appealing to average intellects.
Establishes the chapter's core premise about the relationship between truth and intellectual capacity.
“the influence of respectable but mediocre Englishmen—I may mention Darwin, John Stuart Mill, and Herbert Spencer—begins to gain the ascendancy in the middle-class region of European taste.”
The sway of middling English thinkers is growing over the common European intellectual climate.
Identifies the specific agents and the sphere of their influence.
“The capable man in the grand style, the creator, will possibly have to be an ignorant person”
The great creator might necessarily lack conventional, fact-based knowledge.
Radically separates the capacity for creation/value-setting from mere knowledge acquisition.
“What is called 'modern ideas'... is of English origin... The European noblesse... is the work and invention of France ; the European ignobleness, the plebeianism of modern ideas—is England’s work and invention.”
Contemporary progressive thought comes from England and is vulgar, while true cultural aristocracy is a French creation.
The chapter's definitive historical and cultural verdict, assigning blame and credit.