Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche

What, if some day or night a demon were to steal after you into your loneliest loneliness and say to you: 'This life as you now live it and have lived it, you will have to live once more and innumerable times more' ... Would you not throw yourself down and gnash your teeth and curse the demon who spoke thus? Or have you once experienced a tremendous moment when you would have answered him: 'You are a god and never have I heard anything more divine.

What, if some day or night a demon were to steal after you i

Summary

This quote, from Friedrich Nietzsche's "The Gay Science," reflects on the concept of eternal recurrence. It presents the hypothetical scenario of a demon informing an individual that they will have to relive their life over and over again countless times. The quote explores the conflicting responses one might have to this idea. It questions whether one would react with despair and resentment, or if they have ever experienced a moment so profound and fulfilling that they would view this repetition as an opportunity for eternal bliss.

Topics

Life Happiness Judgement Sadness Demons Reincarnation Kronofobi

By Friedrich Nietzsche

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