One must have a good memory to be able to keep the promises one has given. One must have strong powers of imagination to be able to have pity. So closely is morality bound to the quality of the intellect.

Friedrich Nietzsche
About This Quote

The phrase “to have pity” can be quite misleading. The word “pity” has a very strong connotation that is not always accurate. In this quote, Mandela is saying that it isn’t pity that makes people do right, but the ability to imagine what it would be like to live the life of another. The power of imagination allows people to not only feel pity but also to feel compassion for someone who is suffering. It is the ability to dream and the ability to put oneself in another person’s shoes that make a person a better person.

Source: Aphorisms On Love And Hate

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More Quotes By Friedrich Nietzsche
  1. It is not a lack of love, but a lack of friendship that makes unhappy marriages.
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  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.
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