# XX explained — Thus Spoke Zarathustra

> Chapter companion for Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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