Where the strong are weak, where the noble are all-too-gentle⁠—there buildeth it its loathsome nest; the parasite liveth where the great have small sore-places.

What is the highest of all species of being, and what is the lowest? The parasite is the lowest species; he, however, who is of the highest species feedeth most parasites.

For the soul which hath the longest ladder, and can go deepest down: how could there fail to be most parasites upon it?⁠—

—The most comprehensive soul, which can run and stray and rove furthest in itself; the most necessary soul, which out of joy flingeth itself into chance:⁠—

—The soul in Being, which plungeth into Becoming; the possessing soul, which seeketh to attain desire and longing:⁠—