# XIX explained — Thus Spoke Zarathustra

> Chapter companion for Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche.

## What happens

Zarathustra speaks of building holy boundaries and ascending ever higher mountains, warning his brethren against parasites that attach to the weary and weak spots of ascending souls. He reflects on the nature of the highest soul, which, being most comprehensive and self-loving, inevitably attracts the worst parasites.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Übermensch and Self-Overcoming

Zarathustra describes ascending souls and the highest species of being, emphasizing the journey of self-overcoming and the dangers that accompany it.

### Solitude and Companionship

Zarathustra forms circles and holy boundaries, ascending with fewer companions, and warns against parasites that exploit the weaknesses of those on the path.

## Character check-ins

### Zarathustra

Speaker and guide, warning his brethren about parasites and reflecting on the nature of the highest soul.

## Key lines

> I form circles around me and holy boundaries; ever fewer ascend with me ever higher mountains: I build a mountain-range out of ever holier mountains.

Zarathustra creates sacred limits and climbs increasingly higher peaks with a diminishing group of followers, constructing a range of ever more sacred mountains.

_Illustrates Zarathustra's selective and progressive ascent._

> The parasite is the lowest species; he, however, who is of the highest species feedeth most parasites.

The parasite represents the lowest form of life, while the highest being sustains the most parasites.

_Highlights the paradox that greatness attracts and supports the lowest._

## Links

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