The mediocre alone have the prospect of continuing on and propagating themselves – they are the men of the future, the sole survivors; ‘be like them! become mediocre!’ is henceforth the only morality that has any meaning left, that still finds ears to hear it. – But it is difficult to preach, this morality of mediocrity! – for it can never admit what it is and what it wants! it has to speak of moderation and dignity and duty and love of one's neighbour – it will scarcely be able to conceal its irony! –
