Skip to content

Ask questions Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche

“1. The Will to Truth, which is to tempt us to many a hazardous enterprise, the famous Truthfulness of which all philosophers have hitherto spoken with respect, what questions has this Will to Truth not laid before us! What strange, perplexing, questionable questions! It is already a long story…” quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
Download Open image
““1. The Will to Truth, which is to tempt us to many a hazardous enterprise, the famous Truthfulness of which all philosophers have hitherto spoken with respect, what questions has this Will to Truth not laid before us! What strange, perplexing, questionable questions! It is already a long story; yet it seems as if it were hardly commenced. Is it any wonder if we at last grow distrustful, lose patience, and turn impatiently away? That this Sphinx teaches us at last to ask questions ourselves? WHO is it really that puts questions to us here? WHAT really is this "Will to Truth" in us? In fact we made a long halt at the question as to the origin of this Will—until at last we came to an absolute standstill before a yet more fundamental question. We inquired about the VALUE of this Will. Granted that we want the truth: WHY NOT RATHER untruth? And uncertainty? Even ignorance? The problem of the value of truth presented itself before us—or was it we who presented ourselves before the problem? Which of us is the Oedipus here? Which the Sphinx? It would seem to be a rendezvous of questions and notes of interrogation. And could it be believed that it at last seems to us as if the problem had never been propounded before, as if we were the first to discern it, get a sight of it, and RISK RAISING it? For there is risk in raising it, perhaps there is no greater risk.””

Friedrich Nietzsche

About This Quote

Source Book: Thus Spoke Zarathustra, 1883

The quest for truth raises endless, unsettling questions about its value, leading to doubt, impatience, and the need to confront uncertainty.

In simple terms: Seeking truth creates doubt and challenges.

Key Takeaway

Question the value of truth and its risks.

Themes

philosophy truth uncertainty existentialism

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • personal belief systems
  • ethical decisions
  • creative problem solving

Key Concepts

Socratic inquiry epistemology risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives your pursuit of truth?
  • Can falsehood ever serve a beneficial purpose?
A Different Perspective

Truth may be destabilizing; balance with practical wisdom.

2.9 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Friedrich Nietzsche

Explore all 3,486 Friedrich Nietzsche quotes

More Ask questions quotes

Browse all 828 Ask questions quotes