Wilbo Bestows the Consolation of Philosophy Willy Nilly

Edge, these words are drawn from a philosopher who is often studied when one studies Existentialism. People who take the Landmark Forum and who are philosophical often compare its conversations to Existentialism. The philosopher's name is Friedrich Nietzsche, and the following words come from Thus Spake Zarathustra, a section called the Three Metamorphoses of the Spirit.

The following words inspired great music and film. Zarathustra's theme is the music that plays to open Kubrick's 2001 A Space Odyssey. In German, it's Also Sprach Zarathustra, Opus 30, a symphonic poem by Richard Strauss. So keep that theme in mind as you read these words.

What is difficult? asks the spirit that would bear much, and kneels down like a camel wanting to be well loaded. What is most difficult, O heroes, asks the spirit that would bear much, that I may take it upon myself and exult in my strength? Is it not humbling oneself to wound one's haughtiness? Letting one's folly shine to mock one's wisdom?

Or is it this: parting from our cause when it triumphs? Climbing high mountains to tempt the tempter?

Your cause has triumphed. You have parted from your cause. Congratulations. Higher mountains?

The World Is Deep, Deeper than Daylight was Aware...