It cannot be helped: the sentiment of surrender, of sacrifice for one’s neighbour, and all self-renunciation-morality, must be mercilessly called to account, and brought to judgment; just as the aesthetics of “disinterested contemplation,” under which the emasculation of art nowadays seeks insidiously enough to create itself a good conscience. There is far too much witchery and sugar in the sentiments “for others” and “ not for myself,” for one not needing to be doubly distrustful here, and for one asking promptly: “Are they not perhaps— deceptions ?”—That they please —him who has them, and him who enjoys their fruit, and also the mere spectator—that is still no argument in their favour , but just calls for caution. Let us therefore be cautious!
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