Christianity remains to this day the greatest misfortune of humanity.
Friedrich NietzscheRead
Indeed, at hearing the news that 'the old god is dead', we philosophers and 'free spirits' feel illuminated by a new dawn; our heart overflows with gratitude, amazement, forebodings, expectation - finally the horizon seems clear again, even if not bright; finally our ships may set out again, set out to face any danger; every daring of the lover of knowledge is allowed again; the sea, our sea, lies open again; maybe there has never been such an 'open sea'.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a sense of liberation and opportunity that comes with the rejection of outdated beliefs.
In this quote, Nietzsche reflects on the profound impact of the metaphorical 'death of the old god', which signifies the end of traditional beliefs that once constrained human thought and exploration. This newfound freedom is seen as a moment of enlightenment for philosophers and intellectuals, suggesting that with the old constraints lifted, individuals can now embark on a journey of discovery and knowledge unimpeded by outdated dogmas. The imagery of an open sea symbolizes vast possibilities and the courage to embrace uncertainty in the pursuit of truth.
Themes
FreedomKnowledgeExplorationPhilosophyBeliefs
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the evolution of thought in philosophy classes.
More from Friedrich Nietzsche
All quotes →That which does not kill us makes us stronger.
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Hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man.
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Watch them clamber, these swift monkeys! They clamber over one another and thus drag one another into the mud and the depth. They all want to get to the throne: that is their madness — as if happiness sat on the throne. Often, mud sits on the throne — and often the throne also on mud. Mad they all appear to me, clambering monkeys and overardent. Foul smells their idol, the cold monster: foul, they smell to me altogether, these idolators.
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Reason is the cause of our falsification of the evidence of the senses. In so far as the senses show becoming, passing away, change, they do not lie.
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The anarchist and the Christian have a common origin.
Friedrich NietzscheRead
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