So I've been quibbling with myself over formatting. Initially I thought I would break down all of the quotes that jumped out at me. While the idea of this appeals to me greatly, the practicality of it would make it such that I wouldn't ever make any progress, and this is what we are looking for: progress.
For this and other various reasons, I've decided I am going to merely post quotes I fancy, and then I'm just going to write whatever is on my mind at the moment. This may or may not have any relation to the text itself--I'll admit now that the latter will probably be the case most often--, but it will at least provide me the opportunity to get some thoughts out while reading again.
Here goes something...
Zararthustra's Prologue (1-2) (Click for summary)
You great star! What would your happiness be if you had not those for whom you shine! (7)
[an old man] "Why, said the saint, "did I go into the forest and the desert? Was it not because I loved men far too well? Now I love God: men, I do not love. Man is for me too imperfect a thing. Love of man would kill me." (8)
"And what is the saint doing in the forest?" asked Zarathustra.
The saint answered: "I make songs and sing them; and in making hymns I laugh and weep and hum: thus I praise God." ...
But when Zarathustra was alone, he spoke thus to his heart: "Could it then be possible! This old saint in his forest has not yet heard of it, that God is dead!" (9)
At least for my first post I will say that there is so much more going on than I will be able to cover. Here, that said, are some thoughts.
I could but will never write a book about my thoughts on God. I will begin by simply saying that I do not believe in God. That isn't to say it is impossible for God to exist: it means more than my life functions as if he/she/it doesn't. It's a question I considered for a large portion of my life and have found myself much more morally/intellectually satisfied on this side of the school yard. Plus, this side has monkey bars and swings. I like monkey bars and swings.
Zarathustra is going to be dropping some knowledge bombs soon. This old man and his practices/beliefs are antiquated and are in desperate need of revision. It is interesting that the prophet allows the old man to stay in the forest though: "Cool, man. Not exactly sure what reality you're living in, but have fun! I'm bringing stuff that's relevant to people."
I've been as I am for so long now that it is at times difficult to remember that so much of the world functions differently than I do. The majority of the world (someone want to fact check it?) believe in God and/or practice a religion. On some arrogant level I believe myself to be like Zarathustra by wanting to echo the same words he speaks to the old man, "[they have] not yet heard of it, that God is dead!" The rational side of me, however, understands this is far too simplistic. There are many productive aspects to religion, and there are a multitude of very productive people who are religious/believers.
That said, there's also a lot of bullshit. It's the bullshit I'm not down with. If we could all try to just work together to make the world a better, sustainable place without having to bring God into at all, I'd be very pleased. God, however--in whatever different form taken--is keen to remain in the picture. Can we change that yet? Are we there yet, or do we still need to take time to talk about streets of gold and lakes of fire?
Hopefully that doesn't come out too harshly. I do appreciate all of the positive byproducts that religion is responsible for in our society.
That's probably good for now. I'll read some more and post my thoughts soon. In the meantime, drop me a line, yes?
-Josh
****I'm reading the B&N Classics Hardcover version of this book
