Nietzsche's post-Zarathustran writings are not innocent of the grandiose political ambitions for which he is infamous. In fact, his strategic aims generally survive the disruptions introduced by his complicity in the decadence of modernity. He consequently targets for elimination the greatest obstacle to the founding of a postmodern, tragic age: Christian morality. The successful prosecution of his rebellion against Christianity, he believes, will enable the “philosophers of the future” to legislate against the anti-affective animus of Christian morality and to install a naturalistic alternative to the ascetic ideal.

Owing to his own decadence, however, as well as that of modernity as a whole, he must revise the terms of his contribution to the attainment of this goal. His depleted strategic resources are not sufficient on their own to ensure the success of his ambitious campaign against Christian morality. In order for him to be “born posthumously” as the Antichrist, he will require the assistance of readers who can extend his influence into the next millennium, at which time his “untimely” teachings might descend upon receptive ears.