“Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes.”
- 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.
table of contents
Quote
“Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes.”
Explanation
In this quote, Friedrich Nietzsche explores the differing ways in which love and friendship operate. Nietzsche suggests that love often leads people to overlook flaws and imperfections in the object of their affection, creating a romanticized or idealized view of the other person. Love, in this sense, is “blind” because it ignores shortcomings or negative traits in favor of passion or desire. In contrast, friendship requires a more grounded, rational perspective. While friends may share deep bonds and affection, they close their eyes to certain flaws or behaviors, not because they cannot see them, but because friendship often thrives on accepting the other person as they are, imperfections and all. Friendship involves a more objective form of love, where the relationship is based on a mutual respect for each other’s character, rather than an idealized version of who the other person might be.
Historically, Nietzsche often critiqued the ways in which romantic love and idealization of partners could lead to irrationality and self-deception. In contrast, he viewed friendship as a relationship that could be more honest and realistic, as friends typically acknowledge each other’s flaws and work together in mutual understanding and respect. Friendship, according to Nietzsche, is not about blind passion but about solidarity, loyalty, and the acceptance of imperfection.
In modern contexts, this quote reflects the complexity of human relationships. It highlights how romantic love can sometimes obscure objective judgment, leading to idealization or even unhealthy attachments, while friendship often allows for a more realistic, balanced view of the other person. Whether in personal relationships, family dynamics, or work partnerships, Nietzsche’s words encourage us to reflect on how we navigate the different forms of connection in our lives. It suggests that, while love may sometimes cloud our judgment, friendship requires the ability to see the other person clearly, imperfections and all, yet still choose to stand by them.
