_The overcoming of philosophers_ by the annihilation of the world of being: intermediary period of Nihilism; before there is sufficient strength present to transvalue values, and to make the world of becoming, and of appearance, the _only_ world to be deified and called good. _B._ Nihilism as a normal phenomenon may be a symptom of increasing _strength_ or of increasing _weakness_:-- Partly owing to the fact that the strength _to create_ and _to will_ has grown to such an extent, that it no longer requires this collective interpretation and introduction of a _sense_ ("present duties," state, etc.); Partly owing to the fact that even the creative power necessary to invent sense, declines, and disappointment becomes the ruling condition. The inability to _believe_ in a sense becomes "unbelief." What is the meaning of _science_ in regard to both possibilities? (1) It is a sign of strength and self-control; it shows an _ability_ to dispense with healing, consoling worlds of illusion. (2) It is also able to undermine, to dissect, to disappoint, and to weaken. _C._ _The belief in truth,_ the need of holding to something which is believed to be true: psychological reduction apart from the valuations that have existed hitherto. Fear and laziness. At the same time _unbelief:_ Reduction. In what way does it acquire a _new value,_ if a real world does not exist at all (by this means the capacity of valuing, which hitherto has been _lavished_ upon the world of being, becomes free once more). 586. The _real_ and the _ "apparent" world._ _A._ The _erroneous concepts_ which proceed from this concept are of three kinds:-- _(a)_ An unknown world:--we are adventurers, we are inquisitive,--that which is known to us makes us weary (the danger of the concept lies in the fact it suggests that "this" world is known to us....); _(b) Another_ world, where things are different:--something in us draws comparisons, and thereby our calm submission and our silence lose their value--perhaps all will be for the best, we have not hoped in vain.... The world where things are different--who knows?--where we ourselves will be different.... _(c)_ A _real_ world:--that is the most singular blow and attack which we have ever received; so many things have become encrusted in the word "true," that we involuntarily give these to the "real world"; the _real_ world must also be a _truthful_ world, such a one as would not deceive us or make fools of us; to believe in it in this way is to be almost _forced_ to believe (from convention, as is the case among people worthy of confidence). *** The concept, "the _unknown_ world," suggests that this world is known to us (is tedious); The concept, "the other world," suggests that this world _might be different,_ it suppresses necessity and fate (it is useless to _submit_ and to _adapt one's self_);