Thus Spoke Zarathustra · Chapter
XX explained
Zarathustra exhorts his brethren to embrace the decay of the present age, urging them to push what is falling and to learn to fall faster, as a prelude to better players and a higher future.
What happens
Zarathustra exhorts his brethren to embrace the decay of the present age, urging them to push what is falling and to learn to fall faster, as a prelude to better players and a higher future.
Themes in this chapter
The Übermensch and Self-Overcoming
Zarathustra positions himself as a prelude to better players, urging his brethren to overcome the present by pushing what is falling.
Critique of Herd Morality
The call to push what is falling and decayed reflects a rejection of preserving the herd's values.
Characters to notice
- Zarathustra
Speaks to his brethren, declaring his role as a prelude to better players and urging them to follow his example.
- The Higher Men
Addressed as 'brethren' who are called to push what is falling and learn to fall faster.
Key passages
“What falleth, that shall one also push!”
Whatever is already in decline should be actively hastened in its fall.
Zarathustra advocates for accelerating decay rather than preserving it.
“A prelude am I to better players, O my brethren!”
I am only the beginning, preparing the way for those who will come after and surpass me.
Zarathustra sees himself as a precursor to a greater future.
“And him whom ye do not teach to fly, teach I pray you— to fall faster!”
If you cannot teach someone to rise higher, at least teach them to descend more quickly.
Emphasizes the necessity of swift decline for those unable to ascend.