Friedrich Nietzsche He is one of the philosophers who has had the greatest impact on modern intellectual history.
Born in 1844 in PrussiaFrom a young age he stood out in his studies and at only 24 years old he became a professor of classical philology at the University of Basel. However, health problems forced him to retire early and he dedicated the rest of his life to philosophy.
Before he died in 1900, he left an extensive work that consists of philosophy, poetry, cultural criticism and even fiction. Some of his philosophical reflections have become famous phrases that continue to inspire us today.
Nietzsche’s philosophy
In his works, Nietzsche attempted unmask the motives behind traditional Western religion, morality and philosophy. He explored nihilism and the need for new values.
He fundamentally believed that the exemplary human being must forge his own identity through self-realizationand do it without depending on anything that transcends that life, such as God or the soul.
His extensive writings are complex, provocative, sometimes dark, and do not always make it clear what he is referring to, which has led him to be one of the most misunderstood philosophers of history.
Despite this, his ideas have had a profound impact on generations of philosophers, psychologists, poets, theologians, playwrights, novelists… and They continue to influence thousands of people more than 120 years after their death.
Friedrich Nietzsche’s most inspiring phrases
Friedrich Nietzsche left a profound impact on Western philosophy and many phrases that invite deep reflection. Here are some of your best quotes about life and love.
Other famous quotes by Nietzsche
6. «THE INDIVIDUAL HAS ALWAYS FIGHTED NOT TO BE ABSORBED BY THE TRIBE. IF YOU TRY, YOU WILL OFTEN BE ALONE AND SOMETIMES SCARED. BUT NO PRICE IS TOO HIGH FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING YOURSELF.”
Nietzsche emphasizes here the importance of personal autonomy and the courage it takes to be an individual in a conformist society. Although breaking social expectations can be a challenge, the philosopher tells us that it is worth it because it comes with the reward of being yourself and living an authentic life.
7. «TO LIVE IS TO SUFFER, TO SURVIVE IS TO FIND SOME MEANING IN SUFFERING.»
This quote summarizes Nietzsche’s view that life inevitably involves difficulties, but finding purpose can help endure them and make them worthwhile.
8. «MADNESS IS RARE IN INDIVIDUALS; BUT IN GROUPS, PARTIES, NATIONS AND TIMES, IT IS THE RULE.»
A quote that shows us Nietzsche’s critical vision of collective behavior. Although individuals alone act rationally, large groups or societies often exhibit irrational tendencies.
9. «MAN IS THE CRUELEST ANIMAL.»
Nietzsche tells us here about humanity’s capacity to consciously cause harm, a trait that, according to him, makes humans the cruelest living beings.
10. «WHAT IS DONE FOR LOVE IS ALWAYS BEYOND GOOD AND EVIL.»
When an action is driven by love, it operates outside of society’s typical moral frameworks, according to the German philosopher.
Nietzsche’s path
Nietzsche Road, in Èze, southern France.
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Friedrich Nietzsche was not a fan of avoiding difficult paths. «And when he came to the top of the mountain, behold, the other sea spread out before him, and it stood still and was silent for a long time.«, he wrote in one of his works, conceived on a path that today bears his name and that he liked to frequent. The path ascends next to the French Riviera in Èze, near Nice, where the philosopher spent a season tormented by his incipient madness and vision problems.