Ascetics Quote by Peter Sloterdijk
““There is no 'eugenics' in Nietzsche - despite occasional references to 'breeding'- at least no more than is implicit in the recommendation to choose a partner under decent lightning conditions and with one's self-respect intact. Everything else falls under training, discipline, education and self-design - the Übermensch implies not a biological but an artistic, not to say an acrobatic programme. The only thought-provoking aspect of the marriage recommendation quoted above is the difference between onward and upward propagation. This coincides with a critique of mere repetition - obviously it will no longer suffice in future for children, as one says, to 'return' in their children. There may be a right to imperfection, but not to triviality.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Spheres, Peter Sloterdijk, 1998
Nietzsche’s ideas focus on personal development through discipline and self‑design, not biological engineering.
In simple terms: Self‑growth over genetics.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate character, not genetics.
Themes
self‑development
philosophy
humanism
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- education
- personal training
- parenting choices
Key Concepts
Übermensch
artistic self
discipline
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance personal effort with inherited traits?
- What limits does society place on self‑design?
A Different Perspective
Neglects genetic influences that may affect potential.
![“[Nietzsche's] questions - transcend, but where to; ascend, but to what height? - would have answered themselves if he had calmly kept both feet on the ascetic ground. He was too sick to follow his most important insight: that the main thing in life is to take the minor things seriously. When minor…” quote by Peter Sloterdijk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fe0/peter-sloterdijk-8761_asceticism_nietzsche-s-questions-transcend-but-wher_722999.jpg)
