A declaration of war on the masses by Higher Men is needed! ... Everything that makes soft and effeminate, that serves the end of the People or the Feminine, works in favor of Universal Suffrage, i.e. the domination of the Inferior Men. But we should take reprisal and bring this whole affair to light and the bar of judgment.
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
Putting it to work
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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