Wer mit Ungeheuern kampft, mag zusehn, dass er nicht dabei zum Ungeheuer wird. Und wenn du lange in einen Abgrund blickst, blickt der Abgrund auch in dich hinein.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- When fighting monsters, beware becoming one; staring into an abyss makes it stare back.
- In plain terms
- Combatting evil can turn you into evil, and confronting darkness reflects back on you.
- What can you take from it?
- Maintain self‑awareness when confronting negativity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you prevent becoming what you oppose?
- What does the abyss symbolize for you?
Another view
Metaphor may be too vague for concrete guidance.
More from Friedrich Nietzsche
One seeks a midwife for his thoughts, another someone to whom he can be a midwife: thus originates a good conversation.
Permalink to quote #137 Was aus Liebe getan wird, geschieht immer jenseits von Gut und Bose.
Permalink to quote #139 Anyone who despises himself will still respect himself as a despiser.
Permalink to quote #136
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