What is new, however, is always evil, being that which…
“What is new, however, is always evil, being that which wants to conquer and overthrow the old boundary markers and the old pieties; and only what is old is good. The good men are in all ages those who dig the old thoughts, digging deep and getting them to bear fruit - the farmers of the spirit. But eventually all land is depleted, and the ploughshare of evil must come again and again.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Change that destroys tradition is seen as evil, while preserving old ideas is valued; yet cycles of renewal and decay repeat endlessly.
In simple terms: Destruction of old values is labeled evil; preserving them is good, but cycles repeat.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the cyclical nature of ideas and balance innovation with tradition.
Themes
philosophy
history
change
tradition
cycles
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- political reform
- religious doctrine
- personal growth
- artistic movements
Key Concepts
Nietzschean critique
dialectical process
cultural renewal
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance new ideas with respect for tradition?
- When is preserving the old more beneficial than change?
A Different Perspective
Innovation can harm valuable foundations if unexamined.