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Species do not grow more perfect: the weaker dominate the strong, again and again- the reason being that they are the great majority, and they are also cleverer. Darwin forgot the mind (-that is English!): the weak possess more mind. ... To acquire mind, one must need mind-one loses it when one no longer needs it.
Friedrich Nietzsche
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote explores the dynamics of power and intelligence in species, suggesting that the weaker often prevail due to their numerical advantage and cleverness.

Nietzsche's quote reflects on the idea that strength and perfection are not the only determinants of survival or success in nature. He argues that the majority, often perceived as weaker, can outsmart the strong through their numbers and intellectual abilities. This challenges the traditional notion of survival of the fittest and highlights the importance of adaptability and cunning over brute strength.

Themes

SpeciesStrengthIntelligenceSurvivalCleverness

In practice

Example use cases

In a discussion about evolution and survival, one might say, 'As Nietzsche observed, the weaker can often outsmart the strong.'

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Reason is the cause of our falsification of the evidence of the senses. In so far as the senses show becoming, passing away, change, they do not lie.
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The anarchist and the Christian have a common origin.
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