# III explained — Thus Spoke Zarathustra

> Chapter companion for Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche.

## What happens

Zarathustra laments that the people neither understand nor retain his words, and he proclaims himself as 'Zarathustra the godless,' rejecting submission and calling for self-will and greatness. He criticizes the small, comfortable virtues of the people and foretells their eventual need for fire and transformation, anticipating the coming of the great noontide.

## Themes in this chapter

### Death of God and Revaluation of Values

Zarathustra declares himself 'godless' and challenges the submission taught by priests, advocating for a revaluation of values through self-will.

### Will to Power and Creation

Zarathustra emphasizes giving oneself one's own Will and cooking every chance, reflecting the creative and assertive aspect of the will to power.

### Critique of Herd Morality

He criticizes the small virtues, omissions, and submissions of the people, calling them 'small virtuous ones' who are too tender and yielding.

## Character check-ins

### Zarathustra

Proclaims himself as 'Zarathustra the godless' and calls for self-will and rejection of submission.

## Key lines

> I am Zarathustra the godless, who saith: 'Who is more godless than I, that I may enjoy his teaching?'

Zarathustra declares himself without God and challenges anyone more godless to teach him.

_Highlights Zarathustra's rejection of traditional religious authority and his embrace of radical independence._

> Do ever what ye will—but first be such as can will.

Act according to your will, but first become capable of truly willing.

_Emphasizes the need for self-mastery and strength before exercising will._

> Love ever your neighbour as yourselves—but first be such as love themselves—

Love your neighbor as yourself, but first become someone who truly loves themselves.

_Reinterprets the commandment to love others, prioritizing self-love and self-respect._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-iii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters