return to list of latest ideas

Single Idea 20259

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / h. Respect]

Full Idea

The surest way to ruin a youth is by teaching him to respect those who think like him more highly than those who think differently.

Gist of Idea

Teach youth to respect people who differ with them, not people who agree with them

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Dawn (Daybreak) [1881], 297)

A Reaction

On the whole I prefer to read the philosophers who seem to be on my side, because I am trying to strengthen my explanation of the world, and opponents aren't much help. I do read opponents, if they explicitly challenge what I defend.

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Dawn (Daybreak)', ed/tr. Smith, Brittain [Stanford 2011], p.187