Single Idea 20367

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / B. Nature of a State / 1. Purpose of a State]

Full Idea

All states and communities are something lower than the individual, but necessary kinds for his higher development.

Gist of Idea

Individual development is more important than the state, but a community is necessary

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Works (refs to 8 vol Colli and Montinari) [1885], 10/7[98]), quoted by John Richardson - Nietzsche's System 2.4 n104

Book Reference

Richardson,John: 'Nietzsche's System' [OUP 2002], p.122


A Reaction

This indicates why Nietzsche should not really be taken as a political thinker, though I would say there is a sort of communitarianism implied in this, just as for Aristotle virtue is supreme, which needs social expression.

Related Idea

Idea 20368 There are no 'individual' persons; we are each the sum of humanity up to this moment [Nietzsche]