Art makes the thinker’s heart heavy. – How strong the metaphysical need is, and how hard nature makes it to bid it a final farewell, can be seen from the fact that even when the free spirit has divested himself of everything metaphysical the highest effects of art can easily set the metaphysical strings, which have long been silent or indeed snapped apart, vibrating in sympathy.
“Art makes the thinker's heart heavy. - How strong the metaphysical need is, and how hard nature makes it to bid it a final farewell, can be seen from the fact that even when the free spirit has divested himself of everything metaphysical the highest effects of art can easily set the metaphysical strings, which have long been silent or indeed snapped apart, vibrating in sympathy. [...] If he becomes aware of being in this condition he feels a profound stab in the heart and sighs for the man who will lead him back to his lost love, whether she be called religion or metaphysics. It is in such moments that his intellectual probity is put to the test.”
Man has an instinctive need for metaphysical clarity which confuses him perpetually and makes him go down mazes without exits. He can only truly be free once he lets go of this need. But this need can be brought back to life when he experiences true art. What he does then is a test of his intellectual honesty. Does he go back to previous thoughts of pursuing metaphysical clarity?
CHATGPT
Friedrich Nietzsche's words in this passage delve into the relationship between art, metaphysics, and the "free spirit" or independent thinker. Here's a breakdown of his thoughts:
1. **Art's Power Over Thought**: Nietzsche begins by highlighting the profound impact art can have on the thinker, suggesting that art has the power to stir deep emotions and reflections, even if they're uncomfortable or heavy.
2. **The Metaphysical Need**: Nietzsche acknowledges the profound human need for metaphysics – the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of existence and the universe. He implies that even if someone rationally rejects metaphysical concepts, the emotional and psychological desire for them remains.
3. **Art's Ability to Revive Metaphysical Thoughts**: The "highest effects of art" can stir the dormant or even seemingly severed metaphysical tendencies within a person. That is, even if someone has consciously moved away from metaphysical or religious beliefs, encountering powerful art can evoke those sentiments again, reminding them of their past beliefs or inclinations.
4. **Yearning for Lost Beliefs**: When the free spirit recognizes this resurgence of feelings, he might experience a sense of loss or longing. He might yearn for the comfort or clarity that metaphysical beliefs or religious feelings once provided him.
5. **Intellectual Probity**: This term refers to intellectual honesty or integrity. Nietzsche suggests that these moments, when the free spirit is emotionally moved and tempted to revert to past beliefs, are the real tests of his intellectual honesty. Will he surrender to the comfort of past beliefs due to the emotional pull, or will he remain steadfast in his current understanding and beliefs?
In summary, Nietzsche is highlighting the profound emotional power of art and its ability to evoke deep-seated metaphysical or religious feelings, even in those who have intellectually moved away from such beliefs. He underscores the tension between emotional longing and intellectual integrity in these moments.
