What does Nietzsche mean by "intoxication?" How does it contribute to a striving for perfection? How does perfection relate to art for Nietzsche? Think of an example of a work of art that Nietzsche might consider to be "a compulsion to transform into the perfect." Do you see its value in the same way Nietzsche does? Why or why not?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Nietzsche, by intoxication, means an overflowing of some emotion or thought or will. The oldest kind is overflowing all-encompassing sexuality. In the intoxicated state, since one is so overabundant, one wishes to transform things, anything, and everything, into whatever will mirror his perfection in intoxication. Art simply is this will to transform into perfection. Art is delighting in one's own perfection through overpowering and transforming some medium. Take for example Raphael, who Nietzsche cites as being an artist of this kind. Nietzsche sees Raphael's art as a reflection of Raphael's perfection, his intoxication and his need to control and put himself upon the canvas. Hence the immaculate detail, the precision, the grandeur of Raphael's art. One may agree with Nietzsche on this. However, one might disagree with his assessment that this is born of intoxication. How can one have such a consistent overflowing of some emotion? Surely Raphael's immaculate art took some very long time to make. How can one be intoxicated for so long, so regularly? It would seem only will would keep him going, but intoxication of will is the realm of the architect. It seems as though Nietzsche may be inconsistent here.

What Does Nietzsche Mean by "Intoxication?" How Does It Contribute