Beyond Good and Evil · Chapter
Chapter 35 explained
A brief, sharp critique of a sentimental and utilitarian approach to truth-seeking, as exemplified by Voltaire, arguing that such a humane and morally motivated search is doomed to fail.
What happens
A brief, sharp critique of a sentimental and utilitarian approach to truth-seeking, as exemplified by Voltaire, arguing that such a humane and morally motivated search is doomed to fail.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Traditional Philosophy
Attacks a foundational motive of Enlightenment philosophy: seeking truth for moral utility ('to do good'), framing it as a naive and fruitless endeavor.
Will to Power
Implied critique of a 'slavish' or weak approach to truth that is subordinated to moral comfort and human welfare, contrasting with a more ruthless, life-affirming will to knowledge.
Characters to notice
- Voltaire
Explicitly named as the archetype of a humane, morally-driven ('for the good') seeker of truth, which the narrator condemns as foolish.
- The Narrator
Delivers the scathing critique, mocking the 'humanity' and 'idiocy' of seeking truth primarily to do good, and wagers that such an approach finds nothing.
Key passages
“O Voltaire! O humanity! O idiocy!”
The narrator exclaims in exasperation at Voltaire and the sentimental, humanitarian ideal he represents, calling it foolish.
Sets a tone of contempt and mockery for the Enlightenment project.
“" il ne cherche le vrai que pour faire le bien "”
"He seeks the truth only to do good."
The narrator quotes (or characterizes) the Voltairean motive, presenting it as the core flaw of a certain philosophical approach.
“I wager he finds nothing!”
I bet he discovers nothing!
The narrator's conclusive judgment that a morally-driven search for truth is fundamentally unsuccessful.