Thus Spoke Zarathustra · Chapter
XIII: Chastity explained
Zarathustra contrasts the innocence of animals with the lustful hypocrisy he sees in humans, arguing that chastity can be a virtue for some but a vice for others.
What happens
Zarathustra contrasts the innocence of animals with the lustful hypocrisy he sees in humans, arguing that chastity can be a virtue for some but a vice for others. He warns against suppressing instincts and instead advocates for innocence in one's instincts, criticizing those who disguise their lust as compassion or spirituality.
Themes in this chapter
The Body and the Earth
Zarathustra emphasizes the innocence of animal instincts and warns against denying the body, advocating for a natural, embodied innocence.
Critique of Herd Morality
He criticizes the herd's hypocritical chastity, where lust is disguised as virtue or pity, and calls for a revaluation of such moral posturing.
Characters to notice
- Zarathustra
Delivers a discourse on chastity, instinct, and the hypocrisy of lust disguised as virtue.
Key passages
“Do I counsel you to slay your instincts? I counsel you to innocence in your instincts.”
I do not advise you to destroy your natural drives; instead, I advise you to be innocent in them.
Zarathustra rejects ascetic denial and promotes a pure, unashamed embrace of instinct.
“Chastity is a virtue with some, but with many almost a vice.”
For some people, chastity is a virtue, but for many it is nearly a vice.
He highlights the relativity of moral values, suggesting that chastity can be harmful when practiced by those not suited to it.