“Anyone who has declared someone else to be an idiot, a bad apple, is annoyed when it turns out in the end that he isn’t.”
- October 15, 1844 – August 25, 1900
- Born in Germany
- Philosopher, poet, and classical philologist
table of contents
Quote
“Anyone who has declared someone else to be an idiot, a bad apple, is annoyed when it turns out in the end that he isn’t.”
Explanation
In this quote, Friedrich Nietzsche explores the psychological dynamics of judgment and pride. He suggests that when a person labels someone else as flawed or inferior—whether through terms like “idiot” or “bad apple”—they are not just making an assessment of the other person, but also asserting their superiority or rightness. If it later turns out that the person they judged was actually not as flawed as they believed, the judge experiences annoyance or discomfort because their earlier judgment has been proven wrong. Nietzsche highlights the human tendency to make categorical judgments about others as a way of reinforcing one’s own sense of self or moral position. When these judgments are proven false, it not only challenges the accuracy of the judgment but also threatens the judge’s own sense of authority and pride.
Historically, Nietzsche often critiqued the human inclination to rely on simplistic judgments of others—whether based on moral, intellectual, or social factors—as a way of maintaining a false sense of superiority. He believed that such judgments are often driven by the need to separate oneself from others, and that this need can lead to mistakes and misunderstandings. Nietzsche’s insight here is a reminder of the complexity of human beings and how easy it is to make quick, inaccurate judgments that later cause discomfort when shown to be wrong.
In modern contexts, this quote can be applied to how people today often label others based on superficial judgments, whether in personal relationships, professional environments, or even social media. The hastiness of labeling someone as inferior or problematic can create lasting resentment or embarrassment when these labels are proven to be untrue. Nietzsche’s words encourage us to be more mindful of our judgments, recognizing that they not only shape our perceptions of others but can also reflect our own insecurities or need to feel superior. The quote reminds us to approach others with greater empathy and openness, understanding that quick judgments often fail to capture the complexity of the individual.
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