Introduction to the meaning and English of "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you".
1)
Many people may find the phrase "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you" to be philosophical and challenging to understand.
This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the interpretation and lessons to be learned from this phrase. We have also compiled other famous quotes from Nietzsche's life in English and the original German.
2)
What is "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you"?
"When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you'' is a sentence written by the famous philosopher Nietzsche in his book.
I will briefly explain the meaning, interpretation and sources.
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Meaning and interpretation of "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you".
When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you'' is an abstract phrase so that different people can interpret it differently.
The most common meaning and interpretation is: "If you become too absorbed in confronting the evils and problems you must overcome, you may lose yourself and be influenced negatively".
For example, suppose a detective comes into contact with a violent criminal to solve a case. In that case, they may gradually become empathetic or influenced by the criminal and commit a crime.
There is a saying with a similar meaning: "The hunter of mummified turns into a mummy".
4)
Who said these words? What is the source?
"When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you" are the words of the German philosopher and thinker Nietzsche, written in his 1886 book Beyond Good and Evil(Original title: Jenseits von Gut und Böse).
In Beyond Good and Evil, Nietzsche criticised the Christian-centred sense of morality in Europe and argued that a new way of thinking should be established.
5)
What does "abyss" mean?
The word "abyss" is used in "When you look into the abyss," the abyss looks into you, a word that refers to a bottomless abyss, a place where water is deep and stagnant.
Sometimes, it refers to deep water, but it can also mean something deep and unfathomable or a predicament from which there is no easy way out.
6)
What kind of "monster" was Nietzsche afraid of?
"When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you" has a preamble: "Whoever fights monsters should be careful not to become a monster himself while fighting."
Since it is not specified what "monster" refers to, many interpretations are possible, including "evil", "enemy", "problem", and "worry".
With this in mind, if we consider the meaning of "When we look into the abyss," the abyss looks into us. As I mentioned, "If you become too absorbed in confronting the evils and problems that need to be overcome, we may lose ourselves without realising it and be influenced negatively."
If you thought you were defeating, influencing or observing, you may be on the side of being beaten, affected or kept.
7)
How is it expressed in German and English?
The original text of "Beyond Good and Evil" was written in German, so "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you" is also written in German.
The German translation is "Und wenn du lange in einen Abgrund blickst, sieht der Abgrund auch in dich hinein".
In English, possible translations include "If you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you" and "If you look into an abyss long enough, the abyss will look back into you".
8)
Who was the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche?
Nietzsche's philosophy, which left behind the words "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks back at you", greatly influenced future generations. Let's look at his early life and what other words he is famous for.
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Nietzsche's early life and career
Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche was born on 15 October 1844 in a rural town in Saxony, Kingdom of Prussia, Germany, the eldest son of a family whose parents had been pastors for generations.
He was active as a philosopher, thinker and classical philologist, and his representative works include ``Thus Spoke Zarathustra'', "Genealogy of Morals", "Beyond Good and Evil", and "The Will to Power".
Nietzsche was highly talented from an early age. Rittschl, a classical philologist, discovered his talent, and he was selected as a professor of classical philology at the University of Basel, Switzerland, at the unusually young age of 24.
His health then deteriorated, and he resigned from the university. He wrote while travelling around the world. In 1889, his mind declined, and he became insane. After being admitted to a psychiatric hospital, he was cared for by his mother and sister but died in 1900 at the age of 55.
Nietzsche is known as a pioneer of existentialism, which focuses on the reality of human existence. He was also a nihilist, a philosophy that found emptiness at the root of all things and denied existing value systems and authority. He was highly critical of the Christian ideas supported in Europe at the time, which he saw as a slavish morality for the weak.
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Other quotes by Nietzsche
Nietzsche left behind many famous sayings other than ``When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you,'' so let me introduce some of them.
Perhaps his most famous words are those from his books "Glad Wisdom" and "Thus Spoke Zarathustra". "God is dead". Isn't that an unusual statement for a time when religion had great power?
He also taught people to be honest with themselves and take responsibility for their words and actions, to "put your life on the line," and showed that you are the enemy you must defeat. "The worst enemy you will ever meet is yourself" are some of Nietzsche's most famous words.
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The lesson: "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you".
Let's think about how we can apply Nietzsche's message, "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you", to our lives.
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Whatever the situation, don't lose sight of yourself and survive with strong convictions.
When you face something, you may come into contact with things you don't want to see or know. Sometimes, it can cause significant damage to your heart. But even at such times, if you never lose yourself, you should be able to maintain your composure.
By reflecting on your past words and actions and organising your thoughts, you will deepen your understanding of yourself to protect yourself in an emergency.
Of course, it's essential to have the flexibility to listen to opinions that differ from yours, but you also want to be clear about what you can and cannot compromise on so you don't get caught up in random situations.
13)
Always be cautious without being overconfident and arrogant.
The phrase "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you" can be taken as a sermon on the importance of being cautious and not taking things lightly. Everyone can be surprised at times, so carelessness is always your enemy.
If you become arrogant and think you are the only one who is okay, you may find it difficult to see what is essential. By always being aware of your surroundings and being cautious, you will ultimately be able to protect yourself.
14)
Let's use this idea in our lives: "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you."
"When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you" is a 19th-century philosopher and thinker Nietzsche quote. Although the word has a complex meaning and can be interpreted differently, it expresses life's essence.
Understand the meaning of "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you" and use it to live a better life.
Introduction to the meaning and English of "When you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you".
