“It is always consoling to think of suicide: in that way one gets through many a bad night.”
- 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
“It is always consoling to think of suicide: in that way one gets through many a bad night.”
Explanation
In this quote, Friedrich Nietzsche reflects on the psychological experience of despair, suggesting that the thought of suicide can sometimes provide a sense of relief or comfort in the face of intense suffering. Nietzsche acknowledges the darkness that many individuals experience during moments of crisis or despair, when life seems unbearable. While he does not endorse suicide, he points out that the possibility of ending one’s suffering—even if it is only theoretical—can serve as a temporary reprieve from emotional or existential pain. It’s a way of mentally coping with the weight of despair, giving a person a sense of control or escape when nothing else seems to offer relief.
Historically, Nietzsche’s philosophy often addressed the human condition in the face of suffering and meaninglessness, especially when traditional sources of comfort, like religion, fail to provide answers. He rejected notions of passive resignation and instead advocated for self-overcoming and the affirmation of life, even in the face of hardship. While he explored the idea of existential crisis and acknowledged the temptation of suicide as a form of escape, Nietzsche ultimately emphasized the importance of embracing life with its suffering and challenges as opportunities for growth and personal strength.
In modern contexts, this quote can be seen as a reflection on how existential despair and mental health crises affect individuals today. Nietzsche’s acknowledgment of the comfort that the thought of suicide may bring in times of emotional turmoil speaks to the fragility of the human condition. However, his larger philosophy encourages individuals to face their suffering, not through escape or avoidance, but by finding meaning, strength, and creativity even in the most difficult circumstances. Nietzsche’s words remind us that while moments of darkness may feel unbearable, they are also part of the larger process of self-overcoming and personal transformation—an opportunity to assert life even in its most painful aspects.
