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To this end we now need many preparatory courageous human beings who cannot very well leap out of nothing - any more than out of the sand and slime of present-day civilization and metropolitanism: human beings who know how to be silent, lonely, resolute, and content and constant in invisible activities; human beings who are bent on seeking in all things for what in them must be overcome; human beings distinguished as much by cheerfulness, patience, unpretentiousness, and contempt for all great vanities as by magnanimity in victory and forbearance regarding the small vanities of the vanquished; human beings whose judgment concerning all victors and the share of chance in every victory and fame is sharp and free; human beings with their own festivals, their own working days, and their own periods of mourning, accustomed to command with assurance but instantly ready to obey when that is called for, equally proud, equally serving their own cause in both cases; more endangered human beings, more fruitful human beings, happier beings!

Friedrich Nietzsche#96

PhilosophyEthicsSelf improvementLeadershipHumilityResilienceSolitudeVictory

About this quote

What does it mean?
Nietzsche describes the need for solitary, resilient individuals who seek to overcome obstacles, balance humility with magnanimity, and judge victories without vanity.
In plain terms
He calls for quiet, strong people who overcome and stay humble.
What can you take from it?
Self‑discipline and humility are essential for true achievement.

Where it applies

  • personal development
  • leadership training

Putting it to work

  • practice silent reflection
  • embrace modesty after success

Questions to consider

  • How does solitude affect growth?
  • When is humility more valuable than triumph?

Another view

The ideal may be unrealistic for many who need community support.

More from Friedrich Nietzsche

  1. Preparatory human beings. - I welcome all signs that a more virile, warlike age is about to begin, which will restore honor to courage above all! For this age …

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  2. Du grosses Gestirn! Was ware dein Gluck, wenn du nicht Die hattest, welchen du leuchtest!

    Permalink to quote #97
  3. Is it not clear that with all this we are bound to feel ill at ease in an age that likes to claim the distinction of being the most humane, the mildest, and th…

    Permalink to quote #94

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