“Admiration for a quality or an art can be so strong that it deters us from striving to possess it.”
- 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.
Quote
“Admiration for a quality or an art can be so strong that it deters us from striving to possess it.”
Explanation
In this quote, Friedrich Nietzsche examines the complex relationship between admiration and aspiration. Nietzsche suggests that our admiration for a particular quality or art can be so intense that it prevents us from actually attempting to develop or embody it ourselves. When we see something as exceptional or extraordinary, we may become so overwhelmed by its greatness that we believe it is beyond our reach, leading us to feel as though we could never attain it. Instead of inspiring us to strive for improvement or mastery, this admiration can cause us to feel inferior or discouraged, keeping us from even attempting to acquire that quality or skill. The fear of not being able to reach the same level of excellence may paralyze us, turning admiration into a barrier rather than a source of motivation.
Historically, Nietzsche critiqued the tendency for individuals to idealize or worship greatness in others to the point where it leads to inaction or self-doubt. For Nietzsche, true greatness is achieved not by imitating others but by embracing one’s own strength and individuality, and striving to overcome personal limitations. Admiration, when taken too far, can be a form of passivity—a way of avoiding the difficult work of creating one’s own excellence by focusing too much on the achievements of others.
In modern contexts, this quote serves as a reminder that admiration should be a source of inspiration rather than discouragement. Whether we admire a particular skill, talent, or quality, we should view it as something that is attainable through dedication and self-overcoming, rather than something to be admired from a distance. Nietzsche encourages us to recognize our own potential and to use admiration as a springboard for our own growth, rather than as a barrier that keeps us from striving for greatness.
