Human, All Too Human: A Book for Free Spirits

by Friedrich Nietzsche

the riddle of that great liberation,

It is the characteristic of an advanced civilization to set a higher value upon little, simple truths, ascertained by scientific method, than upon the pleasing and magnificent errors originating in metaphysical and æsthetical epochs and peoples.

the antagonism between the specialties of science and philosophy. The latter aims, as art aims, at imparting to life and conduct the utmost depth and significance: in the former mere knowledge is sought and nothing else—whatever else be incidentally obtained.

This is accurate. However, does the author intend to imply that art is not useful? That imparting meaning to life and conduct, while purely artificial and emanating from our imagination, still dishonest? I don’t know about the author, but as long as we’re conscious about the source of this “meaning” then, I’d argue it is honest. In fact, it is celebratory!

intense faith is evidence only of its own intensity and not of the truth of that in which the faith is felt.

This is, like, a heavy truth bomb 💣

man emerges from his superstitious and religious ideas and fears and, for instance, no longer believes in the dear little angels or in original sin, and has stopped talking about the salvation of the soul:

or the churning of an ocean of milk, or the materialisation of holy ash, or in the omnicient eye of sauron, or even the dark or light side of the force

Then a backward movement is necessary: he must appreciate the historical justification, and to an equal extent the psychological considerations, in such a movement.

Exactly! we cannot judge the people of yesteryears using a modern yardstick. Of course they will not hold up. Akin to the concept of "rationality". You can only say that an agent behaved rationally based on the input it received through its sensors. What it ultimately did may actually be stupid. But, given its enviornment it was the most rational action possible. Ex: agent that paused a game to avoid defeat

metaphysical views inspire the belief that in them is afforded the final sure foundation upon which henceforth the whole future of mankind may rest and be built up: the individual promotes his own salvation; when, for example, he builds a church or a monastery he is of opinion that he is doing something for the salvation of his immortal soul:—Can science, as well, inspire such faith in the efficacy of her results?

therein lies the "value" of spirituality. although it is fanciful and comforting, it does provide motivation for selfish beings to perform selfless activities. now, i will admit, value is subjective. but that is debate for another time

Occasionally harsh, powerful, impetuous, yet nevertheless backward spirits, appear, who try to conjure back some past era in the history of mankind:

yeah. like trump :)

How are these judgements developed? Surely, not all are illogical. Not all can be unjust! “Only a Sith deals in absolutes” 😜