Beyond Good and Evil · Chapter
Chapter 266 explained
A single aphoristic quote from Goethe is presented, critiquing a form of selflessness or lack of self-regard as a prerequisite for true esteem.
What happens
A single aphoristic quote from Goethe is presented, critiquing a form of selflessness or lack of self-regard as a prerequisite for true esteem.
Themes in this chapter
Nobility and Order of Rank
Goethe's aphorism implies a standard of valuation where true esteem is reserved for those who transcend petty self-interest, hinting at a noble character type.
Characters to notice
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Author of the quoted aphorism, which serves as the chapter's sole content.
- The Narrator
Presents Goethe's quote without direct commentary, allowing it to stand as a provocative statement.
Key passages
““One can only truly esteem him who does not look out for himself.””
Genuine respect is only possible for a person who is not self-seeking.
The quote sets a high, perhaps paradoxical, standard for earning true esteem, valuing self-abnegation over self-preservation.