Thus Spoke Zarathustra · Chapter
V: Joys and Passions explained
Zarathustra addresses his brother on the nature of virtue, urging that a true virtue is unique and ineffable, not shared with the herd.
What happens
Zarathustra addresses his brother on the nature of virtue, urging that a true virtue is unique and ineffable, not shared with the herd. He explains that passions, once considered evil, can be transformed into virtues through the direction of one's highest aim. He warns of the jealousy and conflict among virtues, and concludes that man must be surpassed, even by his own virtues.
Themes in this chapter
The Übermensch and Self-Overcoming
The chapter emphasizes transforming passions into virtues as an act of self-overcoming, a key step toward the Übermensch.
Critique of Herd Morality
Zarathustra warns against naming a virtue in common with the people, as that reduces it to herd morality.
The Body and the Earth
Virtue is described as earthly, not a guide to 'superearths and paradises,' affirming the body and the earth.
Characters to notice
- Zarathustra
Zarathustra speaks directly to his 'brother,' instructing on the transformation of passions into virtues and the danger of virtue's jealousy.
- The Higher Men
Implied audience; the teaching on virtue and self-overcoming is directed toward those striving to surpass themselves.
Key passages
“Once hadst thou passions and calledst them evil. But now hast thou only thy virtues: they grew out of thy passions.”
What you once considered evil passions have now become virtues, because you directed them toward your highest goal.
Zarathustra teaches the sublimation of passions into virtues.
“Let thy virtue be too high for the familiarity of names, and if thou must speak of it, be not ashamed to stammer about it.”
Your virtue should be too lofty to be easily labeled; if you must describe it, do so hesitantly and humbly.
Zarathustra warns against reducing virtue to a common name, which would align it with herd morality.