One of the most famous philosophers in history came about in the 19th century: Friedrich Nietzsche. He was a German classical scholar, cultural critic, writer and philosopher who “became one of the most influential of all modern thinkers,” per Britannica.
He’s most well known for his work critiquing traditional European religion and morality, famously saying “God is dead" and predicting the “dissolution of traditional religion and metaphysics,” according to the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. And even though he’s the philosopher most people associate nihilism with, our quote of the day by Nietzsche is a hopeful and encouraging one about perseverance.
Born in Prussia (now Germany) in 1844, Nietzsche grew up in a very Lutheran family; Britannica reported that his paternal grandfather published books that defended Protestantism, which is in contrast with what Nietzsche ended up critiquing. He went on to study theology and classical philology at the University of Bonn in 1864, and transferred to the University of Leipzig in 1865. One of his professors there recommended him so strongly to teach at the University of Basel that Nietzsche was granted a doctorate without having to take the corresponding exam or write a dissertation so that he could become a professor of classical philology there.
He did most of his writing and core work in the 1870s and 1880s, according to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. They also reported that Nietzsche’s criticisms exposed “false consciousness infecting people’s received ideas." Because of this, he is credited with not only influencing late modern thinkers such as Sigmund Freud and Karl Marx, but also how we think today, according to the BBC.
Nietzsche died in 1900, and even though his sister tainted his legacy for a while because of what she associated his work with (fascism and Nazism), that deception was uncovered, and what he truly stands for is now remembered—which is decidedly very against “nationalism, antisemitism and power politics,” per Britannica.
Again, even though he’s associated with nihilism—the belief that nothing really matters because nothing is guaranteed or known—he has a lot of inspiring quotes (since his work was a bit more nuanced than just one concept). And today’s quote highlights his encouraging words of determination to get through hard times.
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Quote of the Day by Friedrich Nietzsche
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“He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how.”
A version of this quote appears in Twilight of the Idols (also known by its longer title Twilight of the Idols, or, How to Philosophize with a Hammer), first published in 1889. It’s basically a comprehensive view of Nietzsche’s philosophy and “mature ideas.”
There are many different translations of this quote, since it was originally written in Nietzsche’s native German. As Quote Investigator reported, the Thomas Common translation in 1896 read:
“When one has one’s wherefore of life, one gets along with almost every how.—Man does not strive after happiness; the Englishman only does so.”
The 1911 Anthony M. Ludovici translation says:
“If a man knows the wherefore of his existence, then the manner of it can take care of itself. Man does not aspire to happiness; only the Englishman does that.”
But it’s Viktor Frankl, a German psychotherapist, whose 1946 book gave us the most popular translation we have today (aka our quote of the day). In his popular book, Man’s Search for Meaning, which was also originally published in German and translated by Ilse Lasch, he wrote:
“As we said before, any attempt to restore a man’s inner strength in the camp had first to succeed in showing him some future goal. Nietzsche’s words, ‘He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how,’ could be the guiding motto for all psychotherapeutic and psychohygienic efforts regarding prisoners.”
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The great thing about a quote like this one is that it’s short and simple, yet still packs a punch with its meaning.
Taking just the sentence we highlighted today, Nietzsche is saying that as long as you have a “why” to your life—a purpose or reason that you do the things you do, such as aspirations, a need to protect or provide for family or partners, etc.—you’ll always figure out “how” to get through things. If you have a reason to get up in the morning, then even when tough times come your way, you’ll find a way to get out or get through it.
Kind of like the age-old adage, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” if there is a power behind your actions and meaning to what you’re doing, you will always persevere. It won’t be easy, of course, and it won’t be over fast (depending on what it is you’re going through), but just know it’ll pass. And you’ll come out stronger (and sometimes better for it) on the other side.
Nietzsche’s quote is the kind that gives you hope and reminds you to stay the course you’ve chosen in life.
Related: Quote of the Day: Philosopher Simone de Beauvoir on Life Gaining Value Through Love, Friendship and Compassion for Others
More Quotes from Friedrich Nietzsche
“What does not kill me, makes me stronger.”“Existence really is an imperfect tense that never becomes a present.”“One ought to hold on to one's heart; for if one lets it go, one soon loses control of the head too.”“Our vanity desires that what we do best should be considered what is hardest for us.”“Oh great star! What would your happiness be if you did not have us to shine for?”Up Next:
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