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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nietzsche argues that a war against the masses is needed because their softness supports universal suffrage, which he sees as domination by inferior men.
In plain terms
He believes the masses must be challenged to prevent their influence.
What can you take from it?
Question the power of popular democracy.

Where it applies

  • political debates
  • revolutionary movements

Putting it to work

  • critical essays
  • political manifestos

Questions to consider

  • What defines 'inferior' versus 'higher' individuals?
  • Can societies thrive without mass input?

Another view

The view dismisses the value of broad participation in governance.

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