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The Will to Truth is a tempting desire in all of us, urging us to seek the truth no matter the cost. But what perplexing questions does this desire bring up? For so long we’ve been grappling with this idea, but it feels like we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface. Maybe it’s time for us to start asking ourselves some questions, to figure out what this “Will to Truth” is really all about.

We’ve pondered where this desire comes from, but what about its value? If we want the truth, why not embrace uncertainty or untruth? The value of seeking the truth becomes a whole new question to ponder. It’s like we’re at a crossroads, with questions and doubts at every turn.

But maybe, just maybe, we’re the first ones to truly ask these questions. It’s a risky move to raise these kinds of questions, but maybe that’s exactly what we need to do. After all, there’s no greater risk than seeking the truth. So let’s not be afraid to question the value of truth, to wonder who is really questioning us, and to embrace the unknown. The Will to Truth may be hazardous, but it’s also necessary for our growth and understanding of the world around us.

Notes:

1. This is a lyrical essay inspired by Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche, Chapter 1: Prejudices of Philosophers.
2. Beyond Good and Evil is my favorite Nietzsche book. It is, at least for me, incredibly difficult to read. I’ve slogged my way through a couple of times.
3. ChatGPT has made it possible, through prompt engineering, to make Beyond Good and Evil more accessible by making the language less complex. I then used prompt engineering to craft this short lyrical essay.
4. This is one in series.