“There is in general good reason to suppose that in several respects the gods could all benefit from instruction by us human beings. We humans are – more humane.”
- 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 in general good reason to suppose that in several respects the gods could all benefit from instruction by us human beings. We humans are – more humane.”
Explanation
In this quote, Friedrich Nietzsche humorously and provocatively suggests that human beings are, in some ways, more humane and morally enlightened than the gods traditionally worshipped in religious belief systems. Nietzsche argues that, in several aspects, the gods—often depicted as powerful, detached, or imperfect—might actually benefit from the wisdom and compassion that humans possess. By calling humans “more humane,” Nietzsche points to the empathy, vulnerability, and ethical awareness that characterize human experience, contrasting these qualities with the often distant and flawed nature of divine beings in many religious traditions. This statement also serves as a critique of the traditional concepts of divinity and the idea that gods are the ultimate models of virtue or morality.
Historically, Nietzsche often critiqued traditional religious and moral systems, particularly Christianity, which he believed promoted a life-denying worldview. He saw religious ideals—embodied in gods that were often portrayed as detached, vengeful, or above human concerns—as distant from the lived reality of human existence. Nietzsche believed that humans, through their imperfections, could possess a more authentic understanding of compassion, growth, and strength. This quote suggests that humanity’s struggles, its capacity for suffering, and its potential for moral growth give it a unique, genuine humanity that even the gods could learn from.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a critique of idealized notions of divine morality and religious authority. Nietzsche’s words challenge us to reconsider the idea that higher powers possess absolute moral wisdom or compassion, and instead argue that human experience, with all its contradictions and complexities, offers a richer, more authentic approach to living with empathy and humanity. In an age where human rights and social justice are central concerns, Nietzsche’s remark invites us to reflect on how human moral progress might surpass traditional, static religious values and be more in tune with the real needs and potential of individuals and societies.
