An Invocation, and a Cretan

Filed Under books, inspiration, people, quotes

One of my favorite “prayers” or invocations (in which I call on whatever strength there is in the universe - be it ancestral, internal, living, earthly) is from Nietzsche, printed in The Gay Science (one of my favorite books):

I want to learn more and more to see as beautiful what is necessary in
things:—then I shall be one of those who make things beautiful. Amor fati [Love of fate.]: let that be my love henceforth! I do not want to wage war
against what is ugly. I do not want to accuse, I do not even want to accuse
those who accuse. Looking away shall be my only negation! And all in all and on the whole: some day I wish to be only a Yes-sayer!

One of the things that draws me to this piece is that it often feels insufficient; it can be a challenge to believe it. When I see destructive lies and injustice, I want to wage war. “Looking away” does not seem to be a strong enough statement! And yet, what I believe in more than physical, verbal, emotional and academic wars is the demonstration of a better way. One of the many powers that oppressors hold is the ability to direct the energy flow of the afflicted. And so the oppressed spend most of their time responding instead of leading. This, more than anything, causes me to despair. But even a glimpse of what is possible can bring hope back.

Speaking of tragic optimism, I’ve become curious about this novelist, Nikos Kazantzakis. When I finish Etty Hillesum’s diaries and letters, I will read his work. An excerpt from the Spike Magazine article:

Although many people may have heard of the novels Zorba the Greek and The Last Temptation of Christ, both of which have been adapted into films, it appears that few are so familiar with the name of the author, Nikos Kazantzakis. Although a national hero in his beloved homeland of Crete, Kazantzakis has failed to achieve the recognition in England that he so richly deserves. Novelist, playwright and journalist; disciple of Nietzsche, Bergson and Buddha; admirer of Christ and Lenin; praised by Thomas Mann, Albert Schweitzer and Albert Camus, his works are the external expression of an inward cry that seeks answers to the most profound questions of existence.