Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 31, 1873

Overview

The main business of the day is the debate over Nietzsche’s “Appeal,” which is reviewed and then rejected by the delegates. Although the narrator and R. value the document’s truthfulness, the meeting concludes that the societies cannot adopt such bold language. Administrative tensions and complaints from Wesendonck strain the atmosphere, but the evening ends on a lighter, convivial note.

Content

Friday, October 31:

Went through Prof. Nietzsche’s very fine Appeal with him. Is it wise to issue this? But what use is wisdom to us? Only faith and truth can help. They are maintaining here (I am so pleased it was issued - it tells the truth!), Reformation Day and bad weather. “The Hohenstaufens never had any luck,” says R. All too few people have come to the meeting, and God knows whether anything advantageous will come of it, but what else can we do?

In the evening a little banquet at the Sonne with the delegates and management committee. The meeting resolved not to proceed with the Appeal; the societies feel they have no right to use such bold language, and who, apart from them, would sign it? All the proposals of the excellent Heckel are adopted. Herr Wesendonck creates real indignation by sending proposals and demands (cost estimates, etc.) which amount to a vote of no confidence in the management committee, whereas this committee has achieved wonders with the little money it has. The evening ends merrily.