All things Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
“The concepts "soul", "spirit" and last of all the concept "immortal soul" were invented in order to despise the body, in order to make it sick - "holy" - in order to cultivate an attitude of appalling disrespect for all things in life which deserve to be treated seriously i.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Thus Spoke Zarathustra, 1883
Nietzsche argues that concepts like soul and immortal soul were created to devalue the body and foster disrespect for earthly life.
In simple terms: Soul ideas were made to denigrate the body.
Question bodily life over abstract souls.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- ethical debates
- spiritual discussions
- cultural analysis
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value the body more than abstract concepts?
- How does devaluing the body affect moral behavior?
These concepts can also inspire reverence for the body in some traditions.