Nietzsche on music

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1

God gave us music so that we, first and foremost, will be guided upward by it. All qualities are united in music: it can lift us up, it can be capricious, it can cheer us up and delight us, nay, with its soft, melancholy tunes, it can even break the resistance of the toughest character. Its main purpose, however, is to lead our thoughts upward, so that it elevates us, even deeply moves us. … Music also provides pleasant entertainment and saves everyone who is interested in it from boredom. All humans who despise it should be considered mindless, animal-like creatures. Ever be this most glorious gift of God my companion on my life’s journey, and I can consider myself fortunate to have come to love it. Let us sing out in eternal praise to God who is offering us this beautiful enjoyment.

He wrote this when he was 14 years old (note the references to God.) Funny that he was always using that same language of his though.

2

It was obviously written before the advent of rock music as well. :wink:

3

If I don’t get music in life, I want my fucken money back.

youtube.com/watch?v=SGvgT9tm_I4

4

More likely that whatever he wrote was translated in the same way for the sake of consistency.

5

I meant when he said “all humans who despise it are.” As he is typically, he considers all those who don’t agree with him as lesser beings. I just found it funny that a 14 year old would do this.

6

Don’t all 14 year olds think that way? I did. I’m not saying I grew out of it. I hear some people do.

7

“god gave rock and roll to you…” -Kiss

-Imp

8

Music is good. Music is my life.

Sadly, Nietzsche and I probably disagree on what constitutes good music - and I have no desire to “enrich” my life by spending it with Wagner