The historical sense (or the ability quickly to guess the rank order of the valuations that a people, a society, an individual has lived by, the “divinatory instinct” for the connections between these valuations, for the relationship between the authority of values and the authority of effective forces): this historical sense that we Europeans claim as our distinguishing characteristic comes to us as a result of that enchanting and crazy half-barbarism into which Europe has been plunged through the democratic mixing of classes and races, – only the nineteenth century sees this sense as its
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Nietzsche seems to be describing the modern man who seems to have read everything and can appreciate everything. While this breadth of perspectives is useful in him understanding various cultures, all the reading and absorption of value systems creates chaos in his soul and makes it difficult for him to pass absolute judgements based on a value system
CHATGPT
This is a rich and dense passage from Friedrich Nietzsche, and it touches upon various themes consistent with his philosophy. Here's a breakdown of what Nietzsche is saying:
1. **Historical Sense**: Nietzsche opens by discussing the "historical sense" that he believes has been honed in Europeans, especially in the 19th century. This sense is the ability to intuitively grasp and appreciate the varying value systems and cultures that have come before in history. This awareness is due to the mixing of classes and races in Europe, which has brought multiple cultures and historical moments into direct contact.
2. **Modern Souls as Repositories**: Modern individuals, Nietzsche argues, have absorbed many of these past cultures and values. This absorption has created a kind of "chaos" in modern souls, as they hold within them remnants of various value systems.
3. **Spirit's Advantage**: Despite this chaos, the spirit finds this mixture advantageous because it provides modern people with a broader understanding and access to numerous cultures and perspectives. They can empathize with or at least understand a vast array of historical contexts because of this internalized chaos.
4. **The Dangers of Nobility and Refined Taste**: Nietzsche contrasts this historical sense with the tastes of a "noble culture." Noble cultures, he claims, have very specific tastes, preferring what is familiar and rejecting the foreign or unfamiliar. They have a well-defined sense of "yes" and "no" regarding what is aesthetically or culturally valuable. This narrowness limits their appreciation of diverse arts and cultures.
5. **Appreciation of the Exotic**: Using Shakespeare as an example, Nietzsche notes that modern individuals with a historical sense can appreciate the diverse influences in Shakespeare's works, which a person from a more "noble" and narrow culture might dismiss.
6. **Virtues and Drawbacks of the Historical Sense**: Nietzsche acknowledges that individuals with a historical sense have certain virtues, like modesty, bravery, and patience. However, they may lack a refined taste since they can find value in almost everything. They struggle most with understanding and appreciating the refined and perfected moments of art and culture.
7. **Thrill of the Infinite**: Nietzsche concludes by stating that individuals with a historical sense are not content with moderation. They are drawn to the vast, the infinite, and they feel most alive when they are on the edge of danger or the unknown.
In essence, Nietzsche is reflecting on the virtues and drawbacks of having a broad, historical understanding and appreciation of various cultures and value systems. While it provides depth and a wide perspective, it can also challenge one's ability to discern and appreciate the truly refined moments of art and culture.
