Beyond Good and Evil · Chapter
65 explained
A single aphorism reflecting on the relationship between knowledge, shame, and the obstacles one must overcome in its pursuit.
What happens
A single aphorism reflecting on the relationship between knowledge, shame, and the obstacles one must overcome in its pursuit.
Themes in this chapter
Psychology as the Fundamental Science
Examines the psychological barrier (shame) inherent in the pursuit of knowledge, framing it as a fundamental obstacle to be overcome.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Reflects on the psychological conditions and personal costs of pursuing knowledge.
Key passages
“The charm of knowledge would be small, were it not so much shame has to be overcome on the way to it.”
Knowledge is alluring precisely because attaining it requires conquering significant feelings of shame.
Posits that the value of knowledge is tied to the difficulty and personal discomfort (shame) involved in acquiring it.