Über die Linie/ Over the Line.

[abdulbar@execpc.com]

Greetings one and all!
        The following is the raw translation of Jünger's work from the
fifties. It is a translation my wife and I, attempted some time ago when I
was living in Staufen near Freiburg. I was hoping that I might get some
insights from the list as to its content with concern for editing and
meaning, and if someone might be interested in publishing the text in an
edited form.  This could also serve for some interesting discussion, as
Jünger himself call this an attempt at optimism.(not my translation of
course :-))
        Certainly the text gives some more philosophic and poetic
approaches to the problems of our age. I also like his use of Nietzsche and
Dostoevski among other literary figures in the overcoming of Nihilism in
our age. Certainly this reference has a few Catholics in it, that EJ liked.
I hope that at least everyone enjoys the taste. I'll post more if the
members want me to. All comments are need, with regards to every aspect of
the translation.

Ernst Junger,
OVER THE LINE

        In the beginning of Will to Power, Nietzsche describes himself as
"Europe's first absolute nihilist who has already lived nihilism in himself
to its end, he has it behind, under and outside of his self."
        The remark immediately follows that "his work already heralds a
counter movement, which will in "some future" supersede this Absolute
Nihilism, although it presupposes nihilism as necessary.
        Though since the conception of these thoughts more than sixty years
have passed, they still affect us with excitement, as sentences, which
occupy themselves with our fate. In the meantime they have filled
themselves with content, experienced life, deeds, and pain. The
intellectual adventure affirms and repeats itself in reality.
        If we look back on this statement from our achieved standpoint, it
appears to express an optimism, which later observers have missed.
Nihilism is not to be seen as an end, but rather as a phase of a
intellectual event, which encompasses nihilism.  Which culture not only in
historical course, but also the individual in his own personal existence is
capable of overcoming and coping much like a scar is capable of overgrowth.
        The favorable prognosis will not, as said, be shared by later
observers.  The proximity makes the threat only in its details clearer, but
not in its range.  In addition to that inside the enfoldment of active
nihilism the foreground of decline becomes so strong as to leave no room
for the considerations which lead beyond this nightmare world.  Fire,
terror, and passions rule, though only for a while.  This view does not
allow the intellect to come into the influence of the catastrophe; therein
lies little comfort.  What good could it do in the moment that Ilions
palace fell, to say to the Trojans that Aenes would establish a new empire?
On this side and that side of the catastrophe, the view likes to direct
itself to the future and the transcend the possibilities, and might think
about the ways which lead to it-  in its stream the present reigns.


C. Brown/ M. Beckmann