“There is an innocence in admiration; it is found in those to whom it has never yet occurred that they, too, might be admired some day.”
- 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
“There is an innocence in admiration; it is found in those to whom it has never yet occurred that they, too, might be admired some day.”
Explanation
In this quote, Friedrich Nietzsche explores the nature of admiration and the innocence associated with it. Nietzsche suggests that admiration is most pure and untainted when it comes from those who have never considered the possibility that they themselves might be admired. These individuals approach admiration with a genuine, uncomplicated sense of appreciation, unburdened by the thought of receiving it in return. The idea here is that admiration becomes less innocent when it is paired with the expectation of being admired in return. In other words, the innocence of admiration is lost when people begin to see it as a transaction or feel they deserve admiration because they are admired. Nietzsche highlights how self-awareness or pride can corrupt what might otherwise be a pure, selfless appreciation for the qualities of others.
Historically, Nietzsche often critiqued self-interest and the ways in which ego and social competition taint human interactions. He saw authentic admiration as a force that connects individuals to something beyond their own personal gain—whether that be in art, philosophy, or human relationships. When people admire without expectation or self-interest, they exhibit a form of innocence that reflects a genuine appreciation of what is valuable or beautiful in the world.
In modern contexts, this quote challenges us to reflect on how we approach admiration in our personal relationships and social interactions. How often do we admire others for their qualities, not because we hope to gain something in return, but simply because they are worthy of admiration? Nietzsche’s words encourage us to embrace humility and selflessness in the way we admire others and to question whether our admiration is motivated by genuine respect or a desire for reciprocal attention. True admiration, in Nietzsche’s view, is a pure expression of appreciation, uncontaminated by self-serving motives or expectations.
