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About this quote

What does it mean?
Nietzsche claims that despite evolution, humans retain worm‑like qualities and remain more ape than any ape, highlighting our baser instincts.
In plain terms
He says humans are still mostly primitive despite progress.
What can you take from it?
Acknowledge our primitive instincts when seeking advancement.

Where it applies

  • psychology
  • social theory

Putting it to work

  • reflect on animalistic drives
  • integrate self‑awareness into culture

Questions to consider

  • How do primitive instincts shape modern behavior?
  • Can we transcend our biological heritage?

Another view

Overgeneralizing can ignore cultural and individual variation.

More from Friedrich Nietzsche

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

    Permalink to quote #97
  2. Wahrlich, ein schmutziger Strom ist der Mensch. Man mu? schon ein Meer sein, um einen schmutzigen Strom aufnehmen zu konnen, ohne unrein zu werden.

    Permalink to quote #99
  3. 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-…

    Permalink to quote #96

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