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Thus Spake ZarathustraIdeasLibrary
First Part · VII. Reading and Writing

Life is hard, but do not be delicate

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Ye tell me, “Life is hard to bear.” But for what purpose should ye have your pride in the morning and your resignation in the evening?

Life is hard to bear: but do not affect to be so delicate! We are all of us fine sumpter asses and assesses.

What have we in common with the rose-bud, which trembleth because a drop of dew hath formed upon it?

It is true we love life; not because we are wont to live, but because we are wont to love.

There is always some madness in love. But there is always, also, some method in madness.

And to me also, who appreciate life, the butterflies, and soap-bubbles, and whatever is like them amongst us, seem most to enjoy happiness.

To see these light, foolish, pretty, lively little sprites flit about—that moveth Zarathustra to tears and songs.

Zarathustra answers those who say life is hard to bear: we are all sumpter asses and should not pose as delicate. We love life from habit of loving, and the butterflies and soap-bubbles move him to tears and songs.