What is meant by "if you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss gazes into you." -Friedrich Nietzche?

Answer 1

It may help to look at the quote in its entirety. Below are two translations from the original German:


"He who fights too long against dragons becomes a dragon himself; and if you gaze too long into the abyss, the abyss will gaze into you."


"Whoever battles with monsters had better see that it does not turn him into a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you."

So, I think, if one deals always with evil, or the ugly, or the underbelly of the beast, then one must take care and be on guard; for that with which we are in constant contact seeps into us, becomes a part of our psyche, and can dwell within.

Have you ever heard it said that to catch a thief one must think like a thief? Apply that concept to fighting evil. If the analogy is applicable, it would mean that to fight evil you must know evil in its most intimate sense. Think Darth Vadar....

Answer 2

You will become like the company you keep. If you surround yourself with evil people and their evil ways then you will become evil yourself; then evil will, and everything that is associated with it, will find you. It is a warning to resist the dark side of life. "You are what you eat."

Answer 3

It's like Sting's line "perhaps the dream... is dreaming us"

It's not really for your left brain to appreciate. It's more of a right brain snack.

Answer 4

The longer you ponder, the deeper you go and then find yourself pondering from the inside out.

Answer 5

spend some time alone, then you will know.

Answer 6

you get what you think and see about.

Answer 7

its a mirror!!!