137. Ernst Ziel “From Today”

Thoughts on the Threshold of the Century

In view of all this, I have no doubt that Nietzsche would also have categorized Ernst Ziel as an "educational philosopher". For there are no shattering opinions in the booklet, no opinions that can be seen as a remedy on a grand scale against ingrained prejudices. But if one claims this, one must not overlook the fact that Nietzsche coined the term "Bildungsphilister" with regard to David Friedrich Strauss. If only we had so many "Bildungsphilister" of this kind! And if only those who are had the courage and seriousness of purpose under all circumstances. How many people today think: "The planks with which the reason of the upper classes in Germany is nailed up today are called national arrogance and royal Prussian subservience. And the nails? Bureaucratism, dogmatism, militarism and a few other '-isms'." How some people feel: "When the lieutenant speaks his proudest word, he says with emphasis: "I serve!" Can one think more servile? Even Byzantium would have spit him out with nausea. But today's Germany does not find him hard to stomach - not at all - quite the opposite!" But how many speak freely and openly. Here is one. How many will find themselves portrayed in the booklet? Knock on your chest, the ones it hits you. There are many of you. Listen: "A literary editor of the very latest caliber must have all literary chicanery, literary slogans and literary practices - God how many! - on a string - he doesn't need to know anything about literature." Or: "The number of German princes has become considerably smaller since 1866 - namely on the thrones. - In many an illustrated press organ, on the other hand, it has grown considerably. Today the young Prince of Reuss and his "high bride, the very young Princess of Meiningen, in the picture, tomorrow that of Lippe and that of Waldeck or even all four lovely Highnesses in one number - interesting! gelt? Our most submissive editors know exactly which way the wind is blowing in these imperialist times and how they have to bag the subscribers, especially their subscribers..." "Wind blows!" and "bagging" is well said! These gentlemen editors have become pure greyhounds.