History and Memory in Civilization-Building Process. A Reading of Der Antichrist, 56-58

§§56–58 of Der Antichrist are known for Nietzsche’s controversial endorsement of Aryan morality, socially sanctioned by the Law of Manu. In fact, they also contain a theory of civilization centered around two main elements: history’s transfiguration into memory, and memory’s dislocation in history. This theory is valid for all legislations and societies built upon a “holy lie”, i. e. a fictional narrative that refers to a divine origin social and cultural structures that are essentially human. This is why such social models are far from ideal in Nietzsche’s eyes, even though he recognizes their worthiness. His preference goes to a society founded on a different concept of philosophy, one that sees reality as it is, and allows history to regain its full experimental nature, projecting itself into the future.