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German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is probably the most quotable of all modern philosophers because much of his philosophy was written in short aphorisms:

It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book.

He has been widely misinterpreted, however. For example, because of his use of the word Ubermensch the Nazi’s expropriated him in support of their own nefarious claims to a German master race. But in truth, Nietzsche admired the Jews, loathed anti-Semites and hated nationalism, especially the German variety.

The following aphorism epitomizes Nietzsche’s belief in the individual versus the mob:

The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.

 There are a thousand poignant Nietzsche quotes. Here are 12 more of my favorites:

1. Arrogance on the part of the meritorious is even more offensive to us than the arrogance of those without merit, for merit itself is offensive.
2. Convictions are more dangerous foes of truth than lies.
3. He that humbleth himself wishes to be exalted.
4. He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.
5. I assess the power of a will by how much resistance, pain, torture it endures and knows how to turn to its advantage.
6. In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.
7. Success has always been a great liar.
8. That which does not kill us makes us stronger.
9. When a hundred men stand together, each of them loses his mind and gets another one.
10. Whoever battles with monsters had better see that it does not turn him into a monster. If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.
11. You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.
12. You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.

Related Posts:

• 11 Ayn Rand Quotes

Recommended Readings:

• Thus Spoke Zaruthustra - Nietzsche
• Beyond Good and Evil - Nietzsche
• Ecce Homo - Nietzsche
• Nietzsche: Philosopher, Psychologist, Anti-Christ - Walter Kaufmann

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