We set no special value on the possession of a virtue until we percieve that it is entirely lacking in our adversary.
– Friedrich Nietzsche: Human, All Too Human
Our Interpretation:
Nietzsche is suggesting that people often don’t truly value or recognize the importance of a virtue until they notice its absence in others, especially in those they oppose. It implies that we may take virtues for granted in our lives, but when we see them missing in someone else, we suddenly understand their worth.
Context:
This quote reflects Nietzsche’s broader existential philosophy, where he often questioned the nature of time, reality, and human experience. He challenges the conventional idea that we can fully capture or understand the present, suggesting instead that life is an ongoing process without a clear, static point of “now.” This perspective encourages us to embrace the fluid and ever-changing nature of existence.