Every people has its own tartufferies, and calls them its virtues. You do not know – you cannot know – what is best about yourself.
The existence of virtues make it difficult for the individual to find himself
CHATGPT
In this passage, Nietzsche is making a commentary on societal norms, morality, and self-perception.
1. **"Every people has its own tartufferies, and calls them its virtues."**
- Here, Nietzsche uses the term "tartufferies," which alludes to the character Tartuffe from Molière's play "Tartuffe." Tartuffe is a hypocrite who pretends to be pious and virtuous but is, in reality, deceitful and self-serving. By using this term, Nietzsche is suggesting that every society has its own hypocrisies—values or behaviors that it presents as virtuous or moral when, in reality, they may be self-serving or rooted in dishonesty.
2. **"You do not know - you cannot know - what is best about yourself."**
- Nietzsche believes that individuals often lack genuine self-awareness. Influenced by societal norms and expectations, people may misinterpret or be unaware of their most authentic qualities or virtues. Society's constructed values can cloud one's judgment about oneself, preventing genuine introspection or self-understanding.
In essence, Nietzsche is highlighting the tension between societal moral constructs and individual authenticity. He challenges the reader to reconsider what they perceive as "virtuous" and to embark on a deeper, more honest self-exploration.
