Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of January 18, 1872

Overview

After receiving Alpine flora photographs, I wrote to Nietzsche while R. stayed at work. Later, amid family life and a walk with the children, a letter from Clemens brought up the fact that Nietzsche’s book had been misunderstood, and R. answered at length. The day also had a sweet domestic note when Fidi sang almost all of a song, and R. remembered his own early delight in mastering language.

Content

Thursday, January 18:

Yesterday Herr Heckel sent us the photographs of his Alpine flora. I write to Prof. Nietzsche while R. works. Then I go for a walk with the children; later family lunch.

Letter from Clemens: the Nietzsche book has not been understood there; R. replies to him at length, telling him what he thinks of the book and its author. Fidi sings “Heil Mutter, unsre Mama” - almost the whole song!

R. says that it reminds him of his second year, when he saw Wilhelm Tell lying on the ground and said, “Ell, Ell.” He was praised for knowing the name, whereas his feeling was of pleasure at getting his tongue around it.

In the evening, Schopenhauer.