1058.
The two greatest philosophical points of view (both discovered by Germans).
(a) That of becoming and that of evolution.
(b) That based upon the values of existence (but the wretched form of German pessimism must first be overcome!)—
Both points of view reconciled by me in a decisive manner.
Everything becomes and returns for ever, escape is impossible!
Granted that we could appraise the value of existence, what would be the result of it? The thought of recurrence is a principle of selection in the service of power (and barbarity!).
The ripeness of man for this thought.
1059.
1. The thought of eternal recurrence: its first principles which must necessarily be true if it were true. What its result is.