I would only believe in a god who could dance.
Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra 1, On Reading and Writing
Ich würde nur an einen Gott glauben, der zu tanzen verstünde.
I would only believe in a god who could dance.
Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra 1, On Reading and Writing
What it means
Zarathustra distrusts the solemn, heavy kind of seriousness. What is truly divine, he says, would be light on its feet. Hold your beliefs with some joy.
The source
"I would only believe in a god who could dance." Nietzsche said it in Thus Spoke Zarathustra 1, On Reading and Writing. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.
"Ich würde nur an einen Gott glauben, der zu tanzen verstünde."Original German, Thus Spoke Zarathustra 1, On Reading and Writing. Text read at gutenberg.org.
Who said it
Nietzsche (1844–1900). German philosopher who wrote Thus Spoke Zarathustra and philosophized with a hammer. He asked people to say yes to life, hardship and all.
Questions
- What does "I would only believe in a god who could dance." mean?
- Zarathustra distrusts the solemn, heavy kind of seriousness. What is truly divine, he says, would be light on its feet. Hold your beliefs with some joy.
- Who said "I would only believe in a god who could dance."?
- Nietzsche (1844–1900). Source: Thus Spoke Zarathustra 1, On Reading and Writing.
- What is the original German?
- Ich würde nur an einen Gott glauben, der zu tanzen verstünde. Translated from the original German by Spartan Surfers.
- Is "I would only believe in a god who could dance." on a shirt?
- Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.
Cite this line
"I would only believe in a god who could dance." (Nietzsche, Thus Spoke Zarathustra 1, On Reading and Writing, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/i-would-only-believe-in-a-god-who
Filed under Light.
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The same line in every look it fits. Each one is printed to order on heavy cotton, same price.
More from Nietzsche
- What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.Twilight of the Idols, Maxims 8
- Have your why, and you can bear almost any how.Twilight of the Idols, Maxims 12
- Without music, life would be a mistake.Twilight of the Idols, Maxims 33
- Only thoughts that come from walking have value.Twilight of the Idols, Maxims 34
- A yes, a no, a straight line, a goal.Twilight of the Idols, Maxims 44
- Humanity is something to be overcome.Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Prologue 3