Acquiring knowledge Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
““Insight: all evaluation is made from a definite perspective: that of the preservation of the individual, a community, a race, a state, a church, a faith, a culture.--- Because we forget that valuation is always from a perspective, a single individual contains within him a vast confusion of contradictory valuations and consequently of contradictory drives. This is the expression of the diseased condition in man, in contrast to the animals in which all existing instincts answer to quite definite tasks. This contradictory creature has in his nature, however, a great method of acquiring knowledge: he feels many pros and cons, he raises himself to justice---to comprehension beyond esteeming things good and evil. The wisest man would be the one richest in contradictions, who has, as it were, antennae for all types of men---as well as his great moments of grand harmony---a rare accident even in us! A sort of planetary motion---””
About This Quote
Source Book: Beyond Good and Evil, 1886
Human judgments stem from personal perspectives, leading to internal contradictions that can foster deeper understanding.
In simple terms: Our views are biased and contradictory.
Embrace contradictions to grow.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal decision making
- conflict resolution
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile conflicting values?
- Can contradictions be a source of strength?
Overemphasis on contradictions may cause paralysis.