“Man is the cruelest animal," says Zarathustra. "When gazing at tragedies, bull-fights, crucifixations he hath hitherto felt happier than at any other time on Earth. And when he invented Hell...lo, Hell was his Heaven on Earth"; he could put up with suffering now, by contemplating the eternal punishment of his oppressors in the other world.”
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Analysis of Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche
In this quote by Friedrich Nietzsche, the philosopher reflects on the cruel nature of man and how he finds satisfaction in witnessing suffering and pain. Nietzsche introduces the concept that man's ability to endure suffering is rooted in his belief in divine justice, specifically the idea of eternal punishment for wrongdoers in Hell. This concept serves as a means for man to cope with his own suffering by finding solace in the punishment of others in the afterlife. It also sheds light on the paradoxical nature of human beings, who are capable of both extreme cruelty and a perverse sense of satisfaction in the suffering of others.
Modern Relevance
In this quote from Friedrich Nietzsche's "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," the idea that humans derive pleasure from the suffering of others is explored. This concept continues to have relevance in modern society, particularly in the way people consume violent and tragic content in various forms of media.
Examples of Usage
Zarathustra's view on humanity's capacity for cruelty is a central theme in Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical work. In this quote, Nietzsche explores the idea that man's enjoyment of suffering and punishment is a reflection of his own cruelty.
- "The bull-fights in Zarathustra's philosophy serve as a metaphor for man's enjoyment of violence and suffering."
- "Nietzsche's depiction of Hell as man's Heaven on Earth highlights his belief in the dark, sadistic nature of human beings."
- "The concept of eternal punishment in the afterlife provides solace to those who have suffered at the hands of oppressors in the earthly realm."
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on Nietzsche's assertion that man is the cruelest animal, consider the following questions:
- In what ways do you see acts of cruelty manifesting in society today?
- How does the concept of Hell as a form of justice shape our perceptions of suffering and punishment?
- Do you personally find solace in the idea of divine retribution for wrongdoing? Why or why not?
- Can you think of a time when witnessing tragedy or suffering made you feel a sense of satisfaction or vindication? How do you reconcile those feelings with your beliefs about empathy and compassion?
- How can we strive to transcend our innate capacity for cruelty and instead cultivate a more compassionate and empathetic mindset towards others?
Similar quotes
“And when he invented his hell, that was his heaven on earth.”
“Ah, where in the world have there been greater follies than with the pitiful? And what in the world hath caused more suffering than the follies of the pitiful?Woe unto all loving ones who have not an elevation which is above their pity!Thus spake the devil unto me, once on a time: "Even God hath his hell: it is his love for man." And lately, did I hear him say these words: "God is dead: of his pity for man hath God died.”
“Man has been reared by his errors: first he never saw himself other than imperfectly, second he attributed to himself imaginary qualities, third he felt himself in a false order of rank with animal and nature, fourth he continually invented new tables of values and for a time took each of them to be eternal and unconditional...If one deducts the effect of these four errors, one has also deducted away humanity, humaneness, and 'human dignity'.”
“Zarathustra saw many lands and many peoples: thus he discovered the good and evil of many peoples. No greater power did Zarathustra find on earth than good and evil.”
“WHEN Zarathustra was thirty years old, he left his home and the lake of his home, and went into the mountains. There he enjoyed his spirit and his solitude, and for ten years did not weary of it. But finally he had a change of heart - and rising one morning with the dawn, he went before the sun, and spoke thus to it:”
“When Zarathustra had spoken these words, he again looked at the people, and was silent. "There they stand," said he to his heart; "there they laugh: they do not understand me; I am not the mouth for these ears.”