“Rejoicing in our joy, not suffering over our suffering, makes someone a friend.”
- October 15, 1844 – August 25, 1900
- Born in Germany
- Philosopher, poet, and classical philologist
- With works such as “Thus Spoke Zarathustra,” “Beyond Good and Evil,” and “The Genealogy of Morals,” he questioned traditional morality, religion, and truth, and had a major impact on modern philosophy.
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Quote
“Rejoicing in our joy, not suffering over our suffering, makes someone a friend.”
Explanation
In this quote, Friedrich Nietzsche highlights the true nature of friendship. He suggests that true friends are not those who sympathize with us only in our pain or suffering, but those who celebrate and share in our happiness. While many may be eager to show compassion or pity during difficult times, Nietzsche points out that a genuine and authentic friendship is shown through mutual joy—the ability to rejoice in each other’s success, happiness, or triumphs. A true friend is someone who supports and uplifts you when you are prospering, rather than only stepping in to console you when you are struggling. This suggests that friendship is rooted not in the sharing of burdens but in the shared experience of joy and empowerment, which strengthens the bond and creates a more positive and enriching connection.
Historically, Nietzsche often critiqued empathy or sympathy when it was rooted in weakness or self-pity, especially when these emotions led people to focus on suffering rather than embracing the strength and affirmation of life that come from celebrating success and joy. He believed that true friendship is based on mutual respect, celebration of strength, and empowerment, not just the act of sharing each other’s misery. For Nietzsche, life is about the affirmation of joy and creativity, and these are the qualities that make a friendship vital and genuine.
In modern contexts, this quote challenges us to rethink what it means to be a supportive friend. Instead of focusing solely on comforting others during their tough times, it invites us to share in the happiness and success of our friends. True friendship, according to Nietzsche, is about mutual growth and the celebration of each other’s joys, which ultimately strengthens the bond and brings people together in a more positive and empowered way.
