“Do whatever you will, but first be such as are able to will.”
- 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
“Do whatever you will, but first be such as are able to will.”
Explanation
In this quote, Friedrich Nietzsche emphasizes the importance of self-mastery and personal strength before pursuing one’s desires or ambitions. Nietzsche suggests that the act of willing—of making choices and taking action—is not simply a matter of desire, but requires an individual to be strong, focused, and empowered. Before we can effectively pursue what we want, we must first cultivate the ability to will with clarity, purpose, and intent. This requires self-discipline, inner strength, and a clear sense of direction. Nietzsche implies that true freedom comes when we are masters of our own will and can direct our actions toward meaningful goals, rather than being driven by impulses, distractions, or external forces.
Historically, Nietzsche believed that much of society and traditional morality served to suppress individual will and self-empowerment, making people passive or dependent on external authorities. His philosophy emphasized the idea of self-overcoming, where individuals must first develop their inner strength and personal will before they can achieve greatness or live authentically. The quote reflects Nietzsche’s belief that individuals should not merely follow their desires or act impulsively but should first cultivate the strength and clarity to make deliberate and meaningful choices.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the idea of intentional living and personal responsibility. It encourages us to first understand and develop our inner will—our true desires and goals—before acting on them. In a world filled with distractions and external pressures, Nietzsche’s words urge us to pause and reflect on whether we are truly empowered to make our own choices or whether we are being driven by impulses, societal expectations, or unexamined desires. By strengthening our ability to will with purpose and clarity, we can live more authentically and powerfully, directing our energy toward what truly matters.
