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There is thus a certain plausibility to Nietzsche's…

“There is thus a certain plausibility to Nietzsche's doctrine, though it is dynamite. He maintains in effect that the gulf separating Plato from the average man is greater than the cleft between the average man and a chimpanzee.” quote by Walter Kaufmann
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“There is thus a certain plausibility to Nietzsche's doctrine, though it is dynamite. He maintains in effect that the gulf separating Plato from the average man is greater than the cleft between the average man and a chimpanzee.”

Walter Kaufmann

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Nietzsche’s idea is powerful but dangerous, suggesting the gap between elite thought and ordinary people is larger than between humans and apes.

In simple terms: Nietzsche’s doctrine is powerful but dangerous.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the risk of extreme ideas.

Themes

philosophy elitism human nature

Mood

critical provocative

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • political rhetoric
  • social media discourse

Key Concepts

Nietzschean critique danger of radical thought

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this view affect empathy towards others?
  • Is it fair to equate intellectual gaps with biological ones?
A Different Perspective

Such comparisons can oversimplify complex differences.

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