Madness Is The Exception In Individuals But The Rule In Groups..... Nietzsche

Ah, more Nietzsche.  I found this quote in a book called "Willful Blindness".  I have reading this book for a couple of months now.  Normally I sit down and devour a book in one sitting.  This book however, has so much content, is so meaty that it takes time to digest each new idea.  Most of what I read here are things I already knew, yet had never taken the time to really look at and think about.

The chapter in Willful Blindness, taking orders just because they are given by someone with an extra stripe on his sleeve, like Russell Williams perhaps, or even someone who is very popular in high school, thus making them an automatic leader, even if they have a room temperature IQ. was extremely interesting to me.
I have probably been as guilty as everyone else when it comes to this practice. I wanted to fit in too, I wanted to be accepted, probably still do, but I no longer am willing to pay the price (losing my automy and disregarding my own beliefs) as I was a couple of decades ago.

Back to Nietzsche's quote; I have to agree.  I worked with what was termed unstable persons for many years.  In many cases I found them more stable than good, stable persons running local government.  I only mention local government because I have never had the pleasure?? of knowing those running Federal Government.  Madness is indeed the exception in individuals, however, spend a little time with Cult Leader for example or Fundamentalist Christians (same thing) and you will understand Nietxsche's quote much, much better.

Thoughts In The Afternoon

Easter Sunday, April 24th, 2011.................3:14p.m.