“A woman may very well form a friendship with a man, but for this to endure, it must be assisted by a little physical antipathy.”
- 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
“A woman may very well form a friendship with a man, but for this to endure, it must be assisted by a little physical antipathy.”
Explanation
In this quote, Friedrich Nietzsche explores the dynamics of platonic relationships between men and women, suggesting that while a friendship between the two is possible, it is more likely to endure if there is a certain degree of physical antipathy or distance. Nietzsche is implying that the romantic or sexual tension that often exists between men and women can complicate purely platonic relationships. In his view, physical attraction or sexual desire can disrupt the stability of a friendship, as these desires often override the deeper, non-romantic aspects of the relationship. Thus, a certain level of repulsion or lack of romantic attraction may help maintain a lasting and genuine friendship. This idea reflects Nietzsche’s broader exploration of gender dynamics and the complexities of human desire.
Historically, Nietzsche’s views on gender were influenced by the patriarchal norms of his time, and he often expressed ambivalence about the relationship between men and women. In his era, relationships between men and women were commonly seen through a heteronormative lens, where romantic attraction and sexuality were understood to be central to interactions between the sexes. Nietzsche’s comment here reflects a view that romantic desire often interferes with the authenticity of friendship, suggesting that true, lasting friendships between men and women can only exist if there is no sexual or romantic energy between them.
In modern contexts, this quote might be interpreted as a critique of gendered assumptions about friendships between men and women. In today’s world, many people have successful and lasting friendships with individuals of the opposite sex, based on mutual respect, shared interests, and intellectual or emotional connection, without the need for antipathy or romantic tension. Nietzsche’s words can be viewed as a product of his time, when societal norms dictated that men and women should primarily engage in romantic or sexual relationships. In contemporary discussions about gender equality and sexuality, this quote can be examined as a reflection of the changing ways we understand friendship, attraction, and relationships in a more progressive and fluid context.
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