# XIII: Chastity explained — Thus Spoke Zarathustra

> Chapter companion for Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### Zarathustra

Delivers a discourse on chastity, instinct, and the hypocrisy of lust disguised as virtue.

## Key lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/xiii-chastity
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters