Unpublished Letters by Friedrich Nietzsche

Author:Friedrich Nietzsche
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Philosophical Library
Published: 2012-03-29T04:00:00+00:00

(26) To Malwida von Meysenbug

Naumburg, January 14, 1880

Although writing, for me, is forbidden fruit, you, whom I love and cherish like an older sister, shall nevertheless have a letter from me. It is probably going to be the last one! For the terrific and nearly incessant torture of my life makes me thirst for the end. There have been a few indications that the cerebral stroke which will release me is close enough on hand for me to entertain hopes. As far as agony and renunciation are concerned, I can compare my life in recent years with that of any ascetic of any period. Nevertheless, I have gathered much during these years toward the purification and burnishing of the soul, and need neither religion nor art. (You will notice that I take pride in this. Indeed, being completely forlorn has permitted me for the first time to discover my own resources.) I believe I have accomplished my life’s work, but like one to whom no time was left. Nevertheless, I know that I have poured out a drop of good oil for many and that I have given a large number of persons a hint of their own spiritual elevation, peaceableness and just sense. I am writing you this belatedly; really it should have been said when I completed my Humanity. No pain has been able and shall be able to lead me astray to become a false witness of life as I see it.

To whom could I say all this if not to you? I believe—though it is immodest to do so, don’t you think so?—that our characters have many similarities. For instance, we both are courageous, and neither adversity nor disdain can divert us from the course which we have recognized as the right one. Then, too, both of us have experienced within and without many a thing whose radiance few of our contemporaries have beheld. We are full of hope for mankind and offer ourselves as modest sacrifices,—is that not your opinion also?—

Do you have good news from the Wagners? It is now three years that I have heard from them: They, too, have left me and I knew for some time past that from the moment that Wagner would notice the rift between our endeavors, he too would no longer be on my side. Someone told me that he is writing against me. Let him continue, the truth must come to light in one way or another! I think of him with lasting gratitude, for I owe to him some of the most powerful stimuli to spiritual independence. Mrs. Wagner, you know, of course, is the most sympathetic woman I have met in my life.—But, to reverse my attitude or even renew our contacts, for that I am totally unfit. It is too late.

To you my dear, sisterly and esteemed friend, the greetings of a youthful old man who does not bear a grudge toward life even though he must long for the end.

Friedrich Nietzsche

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