Friedrich Nietzsche on the Greeks
         Translation from the German by: Evi Martyn


The great philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche ( 1844-1900) in one
of his articles on the ancient Greek civilization had this to say:

   " It is a proven fact that in every period of development and
      progress the civilization of western Europe has attempted
      to free itself from the Greeks.''

     That attempt ends up in full disappointment, because what
     ever western Europe has tried to create, which on the surface
     seemed innovative and praise worthy, lost its colour and
     vitality compared to the Greek model !!!

        It shrunc, and became a cheap copy, like a caricature.

    Thus, people continue to feel shame and fear towards the
    Greeks.
    Certaintly, from time to time, some one appears who reco-
    gnises the truth completely----the truth that teaches us all
    that the Greeks are the pioneers in every new civilization
    and the charioteers, and the horses of the new civilizations
    are of cheap quality compared to the pioneers ( the Greeks)
    and finally they drive the new chariots to an abyss, while
    the Greeks can jump right over it with an Achilles's jump"
                                                          -- Friedrich Nietzsche--

    Translation from the original German by:
 
    Evi Martyn//founder of the Hellenic Culture Advocacy