This quote essentially means that if a person doesn’t want to be part of the crowd or the majority, they need to stop being lenient or easy on themselves. In other words, to stand out from the crowd, one must push themselves harder, strive for excellence, and not settle for mediocrity. It’s about challenging oneself, stepping out of comfort zones, and not being content with just being average.
This idea is highly applicable in today’s world and in personal development. In a society where conformity is often praised, it takes courage and hard work to break away from the norm and forge your own path. Whether it’s in a professional or personal context, being tough on oneself could mean setting higher standards, seeking constant improvement, and being resilient in the face of adversity.
For example, in the professional world, if you don’t want to be just another employee but aspire to be a leader, you need to push yourself to acquire new skills, take on challenging projects, and continuously seek feedback for improvement.
In personal development, it could mean pushing oneself to adopt healthier habits, learning new things, or overcoming personal fears. It’s about not settling for less, not taking the easy way out, but constantly challenging and improving oneself.
However, it’s important to note that being hard on oneself shouldn’t lead to self-depreciation or harm. It’s about constructive self-criticism and growth, not self-destruction. It’s about striving to be the best version of oneself, not comparing oneself to others.
In essence, Nietzsche’s quote is a call to personal excellence and individuality, a reminder that to stand out from the crowd, one must cease to be complacent or easy on oneself.