Friedrich Nietzsche was a German philosopher, cultural critic, and poet who lived in the 19th century. He is known for his radical ideas about morality, religion, and the human condition. Nietzsche’s work has had a profound impact on philosophy, literature, and popular culture. Here are 20 of his best quotes that showcase his unique and powerful perspective.
- “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”
- “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him.”
- “Without music, life would be a mistake.”
- “The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”
- “I cannot believe in a God who wants to be praised all the time.”
- “The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.”
- “In every real man a child is hidden that wants to play.”
- “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.”
- “In heaven, all the interesting people are missing.”
- “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
- “There are no facts, only interpretations.”
- “One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.”
- “The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike than those who think differently.”
- “When we are tired, we are attacked by ideas we conquered long ago.”
- “I’m not upset that you lied to me, I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you.”
- “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”
- “The most common lie is that which one lies to himself; lying to others is relatively an exception.”
- “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”
- “The best weapon against an enemy is another enemy.”
- “Man is the cruelest animal.”
These quotes show the depth and breadth of Nietzsche’s philosophical and cultural commentary. They reflect his views on everything from the human condition to morality to the role of religion in society. Despite the often bleak nature of his ideas, Nietzsche’s writing is also infused with a sense of vitality and a celebration of the individual. His work continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.
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