Herd Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
““…how ready they themselves are at bottom to make one pay; how they crave to be hangmen. There is among them an abundance of the vengeful disguised as judges, who constantly bear the word “justice” in their mouths like poisonous spittle, always with pursed lips, always ready to spit upon all who are not discontented but go their own way in good spirits…The will of the weak to represent some form of superiority, their instinct for devious paths to tyranny over the healthy – where can it not be discovered, this will to power of the weakest!””
About This Quote
The weak often disguise their desire for power as justice, using deceit and tyranny while claiming moral authority.
In simple terms: The powerless may seek power through false justice.
Beware of hidden motives behind claims of justice.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- legal judgments
- organizational leadership
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you discern genuine justice from manipulative claims?
- What safeguards protect societies from corrupt authority?
Not all claims of justice are malicious.