--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: He who possesses greatness is cruel…" description: "\"He who possesses greatness is cruel towards his secondary virtues and considerations.\" — Friedrich Nietzsche" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/38d/friedrich-nietzsche-15_character_he-who-possesses-greatness-is-cruel-towa_787124.jpg" --- # He who possesses greatness is cruel towards his secondary… ![“He who possesses greatness is cruel towards his secondary virtues and considerations.” quote by Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/38d/friedrich-nietzsche-15_character_he-who-possesses-greatness-is-cruel-towa_787124.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/38d/friedrich-nietzsche-15_character_he-who-possesses-greatness-is-cruel-towa_787124.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/38d/friedrich-nietzsche-15_character_he-who-possesses-greatness-is-cruel-towa_787124.jpg) > “He who possesses greatness is cruel towards his secondary virtues and considerations.” [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Greatness often demands neglect of lesser virtues, leading to moral rigidity and a lack of compassion. **In simple terms:** Power can eclipse kindness. Key Takeaway Beware of sacrificing empathy for ambition. Themes power morality virtue Mood critical thoughtful Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - leadership - politics - personal development Key Concepts Nietzschean ethics hubris Questions to Reflect On - Is greatness worth losing empathy? - What virtues should be preserved? A Different Perspective Greatness can become tyrannical. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Character](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/character/) [Consideration](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consideration/) [Cruel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cruel/) [Cruel Secondary](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cruel-secondary-6053582/) [Cruelty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cruelty/) [Greatness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greatness/) [Greatness Cruel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/greatness-cruel-6053581/) [Possesses Greatness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possesses-greatness-2915607/) [Secondary Virtues](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/secondary-virtues-6053583/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [Love is the strongest force the world possesses, and yet it is the Greatness is a road leading towards the unknown.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-de-gaulle/love-is-the-strongest-force-the-world-possesses-and-yet-it-is-the/) [Charles de Gaulle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-de-gaulle/) > [We must be cruel as well as compassionate: let us guard against becoming poorer than nature is!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/we-must-be-cruel-as-well-as-compassionate-let-us-guard-against/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) > [As is well known, the priests are the most evil enemies—but why? 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