VI.
Through the recognition of the masochistic natural law, I passed into a peculiar condition. Individual love and sorrow no longer made any particular impression on me. I began to observe masochism in the life and work of Nature, in the history of humanity, in social life, and in civilization.
Is not the great developmental principle of Nature based upon this—that the existence and progress of the species is dependent upon pressure exercised on it by its environment? The more difficult the conditions of existence, the harder the pressure of the environment, the more suffering the species has to bear, the stronger must be the reaction against these, the more strongly will the powers and capacities of that species become active, and by this the species will be elevated to a higher level.
“Thus suffering is the driving force of Nature. Nature is therefore masochistic!”
Within the species itself the same law holds. Within the “human” species have not those varieties developed to the highest which have had to overcome the hardest environment? Those who by nature have been troubled with the greatest difficulties in providing for their food-supply? Those who have suffered most?
Is not the existence of the living being dependent upon the “struggle for existence,” upon the mutual hostility of the species, striving for one another’s annihilation?
It is a characteristic trait of human nature that all religions are based upon the same fundamental principle: “Only by suffering canst thou become happy!”
Is not this true masochism, when humanity, by means of modern science, has also been robbed of the hope of a beyond, of the hope for eternity and blessedness, and is offered nothing in its place? Look at universal history!
Was not the birth of that great idea associated with frightful sufferings, with the influence of fire and sword, blood and death? Has not humanity crucified its greatest benefactors? Has it not rewarded them with the gallows, the torture-chamber, the wheel, the stake, the prison, and the asylum?
And all out of love for humanity!