Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche

Belief is always most desired, most pressingly needed where there is a lack of will, for the will, as emotion of command, is the distinguishing characteristic of sovereignty and power. That is to say, the less a person knows how to command, the more urgent is his desire for one who commands, who commands sternly - a God, a prince, a caste, a physician, a confessor, a dogma, a party consciene. From whence perhaps it could be inferred that the two world religions, Buddhism and Christianity, might well have had the cause of their rise, and especially of their rapid extension, in an extraordinary malady of the will.


Belief is always most desired, most pressingly needed where

Summary

This quote suggests that belief is most desired and desperately sought after when there is a lack of personal will and the ability to command oneself. The quote further explains that individuals who struggle to command and make decisions may have a strong desire for someone or something else to provide strict guidance and leadership, such as a God, prince, caste, physician, confessor, dogma, or a party conscience. The quote even suggests that the rise and widespread adoption of Buddhism and Christianity may be attributed to an unusual weakness or ailment of the will among people during those times.

Topics

Belief
By Friedrich Nietzsche
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