This quote is a commentary on the power and purpose of writing. When Nietzsche says “whoever writes in blood and aphorisms,” he is referring to writing that is deeply personal, passionate, and succinct. Aphorisms are brief statements that express an observed truth or principle, and writing in blood suggests a level of intensity and commitment that goes beyond the casual or superficial.

The second part of the quote, “wants not to be learned but to be learned by heart,” speaks to the writer’s intention. Such a writer does not simply want their words to be understood intellectually (“to be learned”), but to be internalized and remembered (“to be learned by heart”). The goal is to make a lasting impact, to change the way the reader thinks or feels, and to have their words become a part of the reader’s belief system.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see how it might relate to the way we consume and share information. In an era of sound bites and social media posts, the most memorable and influential messages are often those that are concise and emotionally resonant. They are “learned by heart” and then passed on, spreading their impact far and wide.

In terms of personal development, this quote could be seen as a reminder to seek out and absorb knowledge that truly resonates with us, that speaks to our passions and values. It encourages us to not just passively consume information, but to actively engage with it, to let it change us and become a part of who we are. It also suggests that when we communicate our own ideas and beliefs, we should strive to do so in a way that is both clear and compelling, so that others might be moved to internalize and act on them.