Nietzsche Quote by Alain de Botton
![“We believe, as Nietzsche put it, that 'higher is not allowed to grow out of the lower, is not allowed to have grown at all .. everything first-rate must be causa sui [the cause of itself].” quote by Alain de Botton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e46/alain-de-botton-221_nietzsche_we-believe-as-nietzsche-put-it-that-high_56367.jpg)
““We believe, as Nietzsche put it, that 'higher is not allowed to grow out of the lower, is not allowed to have grown at all .. everything first-rate must be causa sui [the cause of itself].””
About This Quote
The quote argues that true excellence must arise independently, not as a derivative of lesser foundations, emphasizing self-originating value.
In simple terms: Excellence must be self‑generated.
Key Takeaway
Authentic greatness is self‑caused.
Themes
self‑actualization
philosophy of value
creativity
autonomy
existentialism
Mood
inspired
reflective
challenging
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- artistic creation
- entrepreneurial innovation
- personal development
- academic research
- leadership
Key Concepts
cause of self
hierarchy of quality
originality
Practical Applications
- designing original products
- cultivating independent thought
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean for something to be its own cause?
- How can we recognize self‑generated excellence?
![“In good company one must never want to be entirely and solely right, which is what all pure logic wants [...].” quote by Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5ca/friedrich-nietzsche-15_business_in-good-company-one-must-never-want-to-b_30586.jpg)
