Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None

Zarathustra returns to the mountains and the solitude of his cave. Nietzsche writes, “But his soul grew full of impatience and desire for those whom he loved, because he still has much to give them” (63). As he stays in the mountains, his wisdom grows, and “its fullness caused him pain” (63). Zarathustra awakes one day and is approached by a child holding a mirror. The child tells him to look at himself. Zarathustra cries out because “I did not see myself there, but a devil’s grimace and scornful laughter. Indeed, all too well I understand the dream’s sign and warning: my teaching is in danger, weeds want to be wheat!” (63). Zarathustra foresees that his enemies have distorted his teachings and that those whom he has gifted with his knowledge are ashamed. Zarathustra jumps up and his eagle and snake notice his transformation. Zarathustra declares that he will be a bestower again. His newfound wisdom wants to be spread. 

Zarathustra likens his teachings to figs. He is like the wind that blows the figs, and his teachings are the figs that fall to the earth. Zarathustra compares God to the overman, saying that God is created by man.