Thus Spoke Zarathustra · Chapter
XVII explained
Zarathustra exhorts his followers to embrace lightness, dance, and laughter as signs of approaching their goals, contrasting this with the stiffness of those who have not found their own path.
What happens
Zarathustra exhorts his followers to embrace lightness, dance, and laughter as signs of approaching their goals, contrasting this with the stiffness of those who have not found their own path.
Themes in this chapter
The Body and the Earth
Zarathustra emphasizes the importance of legs, dancing, and physical lightness, affirming the body as integral to spiritual achievement.
The Übermensch and Self-Overcoming
The chapter describes the joyful, dancing approach of one who walks on their own path and nears their goal, embodying self-overcoming.
Characters to notice
- Zarathustra
Zarathustra speaks directly to his brethren, urging them to lift their hearts and legs, and to dance as they near their goals.
- The Higher Men
Zarathustra addresses his 'brethren' and 'good dancers,' likely referring to the higher men who are capable of self-overcoming.
Key passages
“Tortuously do all good things come nigh to their goal. Like cats they curve their backs, they purr inwardly with their approaching happiness—all good things laugh.”
All excellent things approach their end with difficulty and grace, arching like cats and purring with joy—everything good laughs.
Zarathustra describes the joyful, sinuous approach of good things toward their fulfillment.
“He, however, who cometh nigh to his goal, danceth.”
Whoever draws near their goal dances.
Dancing is presented as the natural expression of nearing one's purpose.
“Lift up your hearts, my brethren, high, higher! And do not forget your legs!”
Raise your spirits, my brothers, higher still! And do not neglect your legs!
Zarathustra calls for both spiritual elevation and bodily engagement.