The Genealogy of Morals · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide translator's clarifications on key German terms and allusions in the text, including the double meanings of 'Sittlichkeit der Sitte,' 'schuld' (debt/guilt), and 'Heiland' (healer/saviour), as well as references to Iheri
What happens
The endnotes provide translator's clarifications on key German terms and allusions in the text, including the double meanings of 'Sittlichkeit der Sitte,' 'schuld' (debt/guilt), and 'Heiland' (healer/saviour), as well as references to Ihering, Schiller's William Tell, Luther's stand at Worms, and other cultural touchstones.
Themes in this chapter
Historical Method and Genealogy
The translator's notes on the double meanings of 'schuld' and 'Heiland' illustrate the genealogical method of tracing moral concepts back to their linguistic and historical roots.
Characters to notice
- Luther
Referenced in the note about his words before the Reichstag at Worms: 'Here I stand! I cannot help myself. God help me! Amen.'
Key passages
“The German word “ schuld ” means both debt and guilt. Cp. the English “owe” and “ought,” by which I occasionally render the double meaning.”
The German term 'schuld' carries the dual sense of financial debt and moral guilt, akin to the English words 'owe' and 'ought.'
Translator's linguistic clarification linking moral and economic concepts.
“An allusion to the celebrated monologue in William Tell.”
A reference to the famous soliloquy in Schiller's play 'William Tell.'
Cultural allusion to German literature.
“In the German text “ Heiland .” This has the double meaning of “healer” and “saviour.””
The German word 'Heiland' means both 'healer' and 'saviour.'
Translator's note on the dual religious and therapeutic connotations.
““Here I stand! I cannot help myself. God help me! Amen”—were Luther’s words before the Reichstag at Worms.”
Luther declared before the Diet of Worms: 'Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me. Amen.'
Historical reference to Luther's defiance at the Diet of Worms.