What is the meaning of Friedrich Nietzsche’s Quote: “The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly”?
Introduction
Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher and cultural critic, is well known for his complex and controversial ideas. His work has been the subject of numerous debates and interpretations, and one of his most famous quotes is “The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.” In this article, we will explore the meaning of this quote, its context, and its significance in Nietzsche’s philosophy.
Background of the quote
The quote “The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly” appears in Nietzsche’s book “Thus Spoke Zarathustra,” which was published in 1883-1885. The book is a philosophical novel that tells the story of Zarathustra, a prophet who preaches the idea of the “Übermensch,” or the “superman,” who is a self-directed and self-created individual who overcomes the limitations of traditional morality and achieves his own power.
The literal meaning of the quote
The quote can be interpreted literally as a description of the phenomenon of perspective. As one rises higher, the things below appear smaller, and this can be seen as a simple fact of physics. However, Nietzsche uses this phenomenon as a metaphor for something deeper.
The metaphorical meaning of the quote
Metaphorically, the quote suggests that those who are more advanced, more powerful, or more free than others may appear small or insignificant to those who are less advanced, less powerful, or less free. In other words, those who cannot “fly” or rise to the same level may not be able to appreciate the greatness of those who have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nietzsche’s quote “The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly” is a metaphor for the relationship between power and perspective. It suggests that those who have achieved more than others may appear small or insignificant to those who have not. When placed in the context of Nietzsche’s philosophy, the quote takes on a deeper significance, as a commentary on the nature of power, individualism, and morality.
