Squashed

thus spake Nietzsche.

Bunnynico and Mills had an interesting discussion on the limits of empathy steming from this line.  I like Nietzshe’s image of the heart of the world with us disconnected on the outside, refusing to engage it lest we be shattered by its vitality.  The sentiment could be rephrased less eloquently as, “The truth?  You can’t handle the truth.”

Niezsche’s use of the word “lest” is an interesting one.  To fully open ourselves to the joy and suffering around us leaves us vulnerable.  What happens when your heart overflows?  What happens when we are confronted with our own frailty?

Nietsche says death, though he probably doesn’t mean it literally.  Mills said empathetic collapse and despair.  I say try it—and see.  Push through whatever limits you might think empathy has.  Let the world rush through you; let it shatter you.  Let it leave you broken, open, and no longer alone.

What could you lose (except your self)?  Be not afraid.

In the end, I may agree with Nietzsche.  Perhaps some sort of death awaits us at the heart of the world.  Then again, I also believe in a resurrection.