Alas, where in the world have there been greater follies…
““Alas, where in the world have there been greater follies than with the compassionate? And what in the world has caused more suffering than the follies of the compassionate? Woe to all lovers who cannot surmount pity! Thus spoke the Devil to me once: Even God has his Hell: it is his love for man. And I lately heard him say these words: God is dead; God has died of his pity for man.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Compassion can cause foolishness and suffering; even divine love may become destructive, suggesting a critique of altruism.
In simple terms: Compassion may cause suffering and folly.
Key Takeaway
Question blind altruism.
Themes
ethics
human nature
religion
Mood
critical
somber
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- charitable work
- personal relationships
- social activism
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
existentialism
morality
theodicy
Questions to Reflect On
- When does compassion become harmful?
- Can love be both divine and destructive?
A Different Perspective
Excessive compassion can enable dependency.