Cosima's Diaries

Diary Entry of October 15, 1879

Overview

The conversation resumes with Twelfth Night and then turns to Calderon, truth, and idealism, with R. treating feeling as something unstable and deceptive. Later the household gathers around the first act of Siegfried, which delights everyone, and the day closes with a sociable evening among the loyal circle, including talk of the king.

Content

Wednesday, October 15:

R. slept well. In the morning we continue talking about Twelfth Night, then R. says that when he first read Calderón, he was greatly moved by the delicate passion of the speeches; I observe that in them one is less conscious of the truthfulness of feeling than in Shakespeare. R. replies: “What is truth? It is a tremendous nervous excitation which can easily turn into the very opposite.” More discussion about the universe, and how splendid of the philosophers to have made ideality the basis of their outlook!

R. comes to lunch with Gfrorer’s Philo and says he does not intend to finish it - all the theological subtleties stem from him. Herr Levi for lunch, and toward evening the first act of Siegfried with Herr Jäger! Great delight - indeed, enchantment! R. is also pleased.

In the evening a gathering of all the stalwarts. Some talk about the King.