Climbs Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
“As soon as we climb higher than those who had at one time admired us, we appear to them as though we have sunken and fallen down:for, in any event, they had at one time supposed that they were with us (even if it were through us) on the heights.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Thus Spoke Zarathustra, 1883
When we surpass those who once admired us, they may view us as having fallen, because they once believed they shared our lofty position.
In simple terms: Surpassing former admirers can cause them to think we’ve declined.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that success can breed resentment.
Themes
pride
perception
achievement
Mood
reflective
philosophical
somber
Type
aphilosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career advancement
- leadership
- academic promotion
- public recognition
Key Concepts
philosophy
human nature
ego
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do people resent those who outgrow them?
- Can true admiration survive change?
A Different Perspective
The view ignores that admiration may be conditional or superficial.
![“I've often thought about that and the only suitable member to join me on that climb [to Everest] was George Lowe: he was strong, a good man on a mountain, with a great sense of humour, and I liked that. I think George and I could've done that together ... I've probably never told George that.” quote by Edmund Hillary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/165/edmund-hillary-3760_climbs_i-ve-often-thought-about-that-and-the-on_12447.jpg)
