The whole of European morality is based upon what is…
““The whole of European morality is based upon what is useful to the herd: the affliction of all higher, rarer men lies in this, that everything that distinguishes them enters their consciousness accompanied by a feeling of diminution and discredit. The strong points of contemporary men are the causes of their pessimistic gloom: the mediocre are, like the herd, little troubled with questions and conscience—cheerful. (On the gloominess of the strong: Pascal, Schopenhauer.) The more dangerous a quality seems to the herd, the more thoroughly is it proscribed.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Argues that society rewards mediocrity, suppressing exceptional individuals who feel diminished by the herd’s values.
In simple terms: Society favors the average, making the exceptional feel alienated.
Key Takeaway
Support individuality despite social pressure.
Themes
philosophy
individualism
society
Mood
thoughtful
provocative
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic discourse
- personal development
- creative work
Key Concepts
herd mentality
existential alienation
value systems
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be "higher" in modern society?
- How can exceptional individuals coexist with the majority?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize the "exceptional" without addressing practical integration.