This quote by Friedrich Nietzsche suggests that until we perceive the stars as being on the same plane as ourselves, rather than being “above” us, we lack a certain depth of understanding or knowledge. The stars here can be seen as a metaphor for anything that we perceive as greater or more unreachable than ourselves. It could be a goal, a dream, a person, or a concept.

The idea of the stars being “above” us implies a sense of hierarchy or superiority. We often put things we admire or desire on a pedestal, making them seem unreachable or superior to us. Nietzsche suggests that this perception is a sign of lack of knowledge or understanding. When we truly understand the nature of things, we realize that they are not superior or unreachable, but exist on the same plane as we do.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be interpreted as an encouragement to not place our dreams, goals, or ideals on a pedestal. Instead, we should understand that they are not superior or unreachable, but are attainable and exist within our own realm of possibility. This requires a shift in perception and a deeper understanding of our own potential and capabilities.

In today’s world, this idea could be applied in various ways. For instance, in a society where celebrities and successful people are often idolized and seen as “stars”, Nietzsche’s quote encourages us to see them as humans just like us, not as superior beings. Similarly, in the realm of academia or any field of knowledge, we should not see certain concepts or ideas as being “above” us, but should strive to understand them on our own terms.

In essence, Nietzsche’s quote is a call to shift our perception from seeing things as “above” us to understanding them on our own level. This not only makes things seem more attainable, but also empowers us to reach for the stars without feeling inferior or overwhelmed.