“From the military school of life - That which does not kill me, makes me stronger.” - Nietzsche (Twilight of the Idols, aphorism 8)
This is the most recognizable quote in philosophy and by Nietzsche. In the military, you are put through hard and difficult situations to toughen up. You grow and become stronger in this process. Nietzsche and I both served in the military and I get where he’s coming from.
By being put in such difficult and hard circumstances we learn to cope by thinking “this hasn’t killed me yet, and I’m becoming stronger. This allows us to deal with hard circumstances, especially ones that are out of our control. Similar to going to the gym and get beaten down by lifting heavy weights. It’s hard and difficult in the moment, but over time we become stronger and better off.
WE THEN EVOLVE AND DEVELOP…
In Nietzsche’s book “Will to Power,” he elaborates on his quote more by tying it to evolution. Nietzsche discusses how hardship and the resistance to it is what builds a higher man.
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Nietzsche’s take on the philosophy of life is, that struggle and hardship will always be a part of human existence. Instead of running form suffering and struggle, we need to take it head on and become stronger and grow into higher beings.
DURING MY TIMES OF HARDSHIP, I’VE TURNED TO THIS QUOTE.
Whether at work, personal growth, or relationship issues I turn to the quote “that which does not kill me, makes me stronger.” For example, at my job we have to sometimes deal with extreme hot and cold environments when we work. Now, I could choose to give in and allow the conditions to break me. Instead, I shift my thoughts and accept that the hard job conditions will not kill me and I’ll become stronger afterwards.
CALL TO ACTION…
When you find yourself in hard and difficult circumstances, always remember: if it doesn’t kill you, you will only become stronger. This will allow you to get through any hardship in life!