Gay Science 156, Who is most influential.- When a human being resists his
whole age and stops it at the gate to demand an accounting, this
must have influence. Whether that is what he desires is immaterial; that he can do it is what matters.
Ryan: Human beings are ultimately unable to live on baseless assumptions. Only when we believe a truth overwhelmingly can we make it a part of our lives. These overwhelming truths are what shape ages, shape zeitgeists, and allow us to function on a common plane of culture. One of the effects of this is a perceived social order, one which restricts what semblance we have left of free will. When something like this is questioned, or "demanded an accounting of", do we require change. This is what is scary about Nietzsche's pursuit here, what do we do when we realize that we have been living a lie? This terror is constantly avoided by those who seek comfort and would do anything in order to hold on to that lie. Truth can only be desired by them if there is a good enough question that makes their unfounded reality so unbearable that a change must come about.
This kind of influence is often ascribed to unique and powerful people, however Nietzsche here is proposing that anyone is able to ask the right question, it is such a simple act that even if one does not desire to cause drastic change, even an idle wondering(if expressed), can alter the entire state of the world. It does not matter if that is the outcome that they desire, what is important that this idea can be simple and unmanufactured, yet still have far reaching effects. One small realization that changes a single heart will soon incense them to share, and in turn the carpet of our fundamental belief will be pulled out from under us, the interconnection that humans have means that this collapse of one member leads to a systemic collapse of the accounted system. All it takes for a new world is one question, one "accounting", one realization, one person, any person, even if they do not desire to change the world. Live Honestly, and Express Yourself!