Introduction. Nietzsche is the undisputed king of short-form insight. His aphorisms today are as fresh and relevant today as they were a 100 years ago. In this Memo, discover Nietzsche's insights on strength, Julius Caesar, the proper information diet, and much more 👇

Nietzsche on strength: "Only excess of strength is proof of strength." You only possess those things that you can afford to waste: Only excessive spending is proof of wealth. Going overboard demonstrates authenticity: Only needless risk is proof of courage.

Limit your information intake. Nietzsche: “Once and for all, there is a great deal I do not want to know – Wisdom sets bounds even to knowledge.” We must take care that acquiring knowledge doesn’t distract from acquiring power, sway, clout, real domination over the real world.

On Caesar. Nietzsche disagreed with Darwin. The world isn’t set up for the survival of the fittest. It’s the rudimentary microbe that is more robust than genius men and genius civilizations Using the example of Julius Caesar, Nietzsche shows how genius can fortify itself:

Nietzsche on humility: “When it is trodden on a worm will curl up. That is prudent. It thereby reduces the chance of being trodden on again. In the language of morals: humility.” Humility: scared animal reducing surface area. Pride: strong animal increasing surface area.

When the psyche is properly calibrated, we instinctively make great decisions. Nietzsche: “To have to combat one’s instincts – that is the formula for décadence: as long as life is ascending, happiness and instinct are one.” Reason drives a wedge between us and our gut.

Nietzsche on the complainers: “Every poor devil finds pleasure in scolding – it gives him a little of the intoxication of power. Even complaining and wailing can give life a charm for the sake of which one endures it: there is a small dose of revenge in every complaint.”