Single Idea 20107

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 7. Despair over Philosophy]

Full Idea

It is a terrible thought to contemplate that an immense number of mediocre thinkers are occupied with really influential matters.

Gist of Idea

How many mediocre thinkers are occupied with influential problems!

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Works (refs to 8 vol Colli and Montinari) [1885]), quoted by Rüdiger Safranski - Nietzsche: a philosophical biography 03

Book Reference

Safranski,Rüdiger: 'Nietzsche: a philosophical biography' [Granta 2003], p.52


A Reaction

[in a journal of 1867] What would he say now, with the plethora of academics and students aspiring to the highest levels of human thought? If I face up to the fact that I am 'mediocre', should I stop? And become mediocre at something else?