Dave J.’s Reviews > The Gay Science: With a Prelude in Rhymes and an Appendix of Songs > Status Update

In Book Five, Nietzsche throws back veils in order to candidly deconstruct his "God is dead" declaration, and to emphasize importance in reevaluating morals, faith, science, "truth." It's a wrap-up of main points--essentially, that life in totality is worth embracing--not denying--and it's vital to ask "What's beyond the familiar?" Some people say this book doesn't make sense, but did they ever reach the end?

Finished with Book Four, which builds upon the ideas of the previous part, and notably ends w/ the "greatest weight" aphorism. I'm surprised how it gets misquoted or has parts omitted, as in some instances, it seems to merely be "awe at finally seeing a god" instead of a question of whether we would still embrace life if the "eternal hourglass of existence" flipped and we had to go through life in the same way.

273
"Whom do you call bad? - Those who always want to put to
shame."

274
"What do you consider most humane? - To spare someone
shame."

275
"What is the seal of liberation? - No longer being ashamed
in front of oneself."

Onto "Book Three" now. Went back and read the poetry in the beginning (as I had initially glossed over it) and found that it was decent enough, even humorous at times. I find that this (whole) book in particular is best experienced in short bursts, as there's a lot to take in and think on. Book Two was more erratic than the first, but still had some unique insight and questions--and levity--to impart.