"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Nietzsche
The quote from Nietzsche, "He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you," captures a timeless truth about the nature of evil. Evil can corrupt anyone who remains in its environment and doesn't remain aware of its enticing nature. We see this dynamic in current societal debates, where opposing groups push their ideologies without considering the consequences. One group advocates for the Ten Commandments in all schools, while the other supports drag queens teaching sex education. These extremes illustrate that compromise isn't always the solution. So, what should we do?
This is where Nietzsche's idea of the abyss becomes relevant. What if the abyss we're staring into is ourselves? The first journey should always be inward, exploring our subconscious and bringing it into consciousness. In this process, we must reconcile with our egoic self, encountering darkness, monsters, and evil within. The abyss, then, represents the depths of our own being, and the monsters (instincts) we fight are parts of ourselves.
It’s easy to believe we are the monsters, but in my opinion, while they are part of us, they do not define us, just like my right arm doesn't define my entire being. We possess darkness and vices (bad), but also virtues and qualities that represent light (good). I strive not to lose sight of the monsters within my abyss, keeping one eye on them without letting them dominate my focus. This balance helps prevent them from becoming the dominant force in my life. Hopefully, this perspective offers some clarity, reflecting my personal experiences and interpretation of the quote.
“If we’re not careful we become just like the very thing we despise”
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