This quote is suggesting that both enjoyment and innocence are delicate, elusive states that cannot be forced or pursued directly. Instead, they emerge naturally when the conditions are right. They are ‘bashful’ in the sense that they shy away from direct pursuit, and can only be coaxed into presence indirectly.
Enjoyment, according to Nietzsche, is not something that can be sought directly. It is not an object or a goal that can be pursued. Rather, it is a state of being that arises naturally when one is fully engaged in an activity or a moment. When we try to seek enjoyment directly, we often end up feeling stressed or dissatisfied because we are focusing on the outcome rather than the process. This is why many people find that the more they chase happiness, the more elusive it becomes.
Similarly, innocence is not something that can be regained or recreated once it is lost. It is a state of being that is characterized by a lack of guile or deception, and a natural, unspoiled perspective on the world. Once we become aware of our innocence and try to maintain it, it is already lost. The very act of trying to preserve our innocence is a form of self-consciousness that contradicts the natural, unselfconscious state of innocence.
In today’s world, this idea can be applied in various ways. In the realm of personal development, it suggests that we should focus less on pursuing happiness or trying to maintain a state of innocence, and more on fully engaging with our activities and experiences. Instead of seeking enjoyment, we should focus on being fully present and engaged in whatever we are doing. Instead of trying to preserve our innocence, we should embrace the complexity and ambiguity of the world, and strive to maintain a sense of openness and curiosity.
In a broader societal context, Nietzsche’s idea suggests that we should be wary of any ideologies or systems that promise happiness or innocence as a direct result of certain actions or beliefs. Such promises are likely to lead to disappointment, because they are based on a misunderstanding of the nature of enjoyment and innocence. Instead, we should strive to create conditions that allow for the natural emergence of these states, such as promoting creativity, curiosity, and authenticity.
