Once did one believe in soothsayers and astrologers; and therefore did one believe, “Everything is fate: thou shalt, for thou must!”

Then again did one distrust all soothsayers and astrologers; and therefore did one believe, “Everything is freedom: thou canst, for thou willest!”

O my brethren, concerning the stars and the future there hath hitherto been only illusion, and not knowledge; and therefore concerning good and evil there hath hitherto been only illusion and not knowledge!

“Thou shalt not rob! Thou shalt not slay!”⁠—such precepts were once called holy; before them did one bow the knee and the head, and take off one’s shoes.