I myself found a fascinating example of this in…
““I myself found a fascinating example of this in Nietzsche’s book Thus Spake Zarathustra, where the author reproduces almost word for word an incident reported in a ship’s log for the year 1686. By sheer chance I had read this seaman’s yarn in a book published about 1835 (half a century before Nietzsche wrote); and when I found the similar passage in Thus Spake Zarathustra, I was struck by its peculiar style, which was different from Nietzsche’s usual language. I was convinced that Nietzsche must also have seen the old book, though he made no reference to it. I wrote to his sister, who was still alive, and she confirmed that she and her brother had in fact read the book together when he was 11 years old. I think, from the context, it is inconceivable that Nietzsche had any idea that he was plagiarizing this story. I believe that fifty years later it has unexpectedly slipped into focus in his conscious mind.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jung recounts a possible unconscious borrowing by Nietzsche, illustrating how ideas can surface without deliberate intent.
In simple terms: Ideas may reappear unconsciously across time.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden influences.
Themes
literature
unconscious mind
plagiarism
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
scholarly
reflective
When to use this quote
- academic research
- creative writing
- historical study
Key Concepts
psychology
intertextuality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we trace unconscious influence?
- What are ethical limits?
A Different Perspective
Attribution can be ambiguous.