The conviction reigns that it is only through the sacrifices and accomplishments of the ancestors that the tribe exists--and that one has to pay them back with sacrifices and accomplishments; one thus recognizes a debt that constantly grows greater, since these forebears never cease, in their continued existence as powerful spirits, to accord the tribe new advantages and new strength. Friedrich Nietzsche
About This Quote

The belief that the tribe is indebted to the ancestors for their existence, and that one must offer them sacrifices, is called ancestor worship. The idea stems from the belief that the ancestors are powerful spirits who live on after death, and therefore are owed sacrifices. The Romans were so devoted to this belief that they would actually consult them on issues of public policy. They believed that the state should do whatever it could to support the continuation of the family line, and thus they enacted laws that favored patrician families.

Source: On The Genealogy Of Morals/Ecce Homo

Some Similar Quotes
  1. Hate the sin, love the sinner. - Mahatma Gandhi
  2. No woman wants to be in submission to a man who isn't in submission to God! - T.d. Jakes
  3. Isn't it funny how the memories you cherish before a breakup can become your worst enemies afterwards? The thoughts you loved to think about, the memories you wanted to hold up to the light and view from every angle--it suddenly seems a lot safer to... - Ally Condie
  4. You made me confess the fears that I have. But I will tell you also what I do not fear. I do not fear to be alone or to be spurned for another or to leave whatever I have to leave. And I am not... - James Joyce
  5. There comes a time in your life when you have to choose to turn the page, write another book or simply close it. - Shannon L. Alder
More Quotes By Friedrich Nietzsche
  1. It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.
  2. There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.
  3. The man of knowledge must be able not only to love his enemies but also to hate his friends.
  4. One ought to hold on to one's heart; for if one lets it go, one soon loses control of the head too.
  5. Amor Fati — “Love Your Fate”, which is in fact your life.
Related Topics