# LXIII: Talk with the Kings explained — Thus Spoke Zarathustra

> Chapter companion for Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche.

## What happens

Zarathustra encounters two kings on the path who are fleeing their corrupt courts in search of the higher man. The kings express disgust with the false nobility and populace, and they bring an ass as a gift for the highest man. Zarathustra mocks their eagerness but invites them to wait in his cave.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Herd Morality

The kings denounce the 'populace' and 'good society' as false, foul, and a hodgepodge, echoing Nietzsche's critique of herd morality and the leveling of values.

### Will to Power and Creation

The kings praise war and bravery as means to new ends, aligning with the will to power as a creative, self-overcoming force.

### Pity and Contempt

The kings express contempt for the rabble and false nobility, while Zarathustra's mockery shows a lack of pity for their self-pity.

## Character check-ins

### Zarathustra

Zarathustra hides, observes, and then reveals himself to the kings, mocking their eagerness but offering them shelter.

### The King of the Isle

The king on the right speaks bitterly of the false nobility and populace, expressing loathing and a desire to find the higher man.

### The Higher Men

The kings seek the higher man, whom they consider the true lord of the earth, and bring an ass as a gift for him.

### The Ass

The ass is driven before the kings and brays 'Ye-a' during Zarathustra's rhyme, symbolizing stubbornness or folly.

## Key lines

> What is good? To be brave is good. It is the good war that halloweth every cause.

Courage is the highest virtue, and war sanctifies any purpose.

_Zarathustra's teaching as recalled by the kings, emphasizing bravery and conflict as ennobling._

> There is no sorer misfortune in all human destiny, than when the mighty of the earth are not also the first men.

The worst fate is when those in power are not the best people.

_The king on the right laments the disconnect between political power and human excellence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxiii-talk-with-the-kings
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters