The stronger becomes master of the weaker, in so far as the latter cannot assert its degree of independence - here there is no mercy, no forbearance, even less a respect for 'laws.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- When the strong dominate the weak, mercy and law disappear because the weak cannot claim independence.
- In plain terms
- Power erodes compassion and law when the weak have no independence.
- What can you take from it?
- Dominance can eliminate empathy and legal restraint.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What safeguards can preserve mercy under dominance?
- Can law survive without power balance?
Another view
Some strong leaders have exercised mercy and upheld law.
More from Friedrich Nietzsche
A man as he ought to be: that sounds to us as insipid as 'a tree as it ought to be.'
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