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“The strong man, a man in whom the instincts characteristic of robust health are powerful, digests his deeds in just the same way that he digests his meals; he can even cope with heavy fare; in the main, however, he is guided by a sound and firm instinct in such a way that he never does anything contrary to his nature, just as he never eats anything contrary to his taste.”
This aphorism can be found in Nietzsche’s posthumous collection of notes entitled ‘The Will to Power.’ Specifically, it can be found in Book 4, Part 1 – Hierarchy.
It is within this aphorism that Nietzsche expresses the idea that a strong and healthy individual, both physically and mentally, processes and assimilates their actions in a manner similar to how they digest food. The metaphorical comparison between digesting deeds and digesting meals suggests that a person with robust health has a natural and instinctual capacity to integrate their actions seamlessly into their overall being.
The reference to coping with heavy fare implies that such an individual can handle challenging or demanding situations without deviating from their intrinsic nature. Nietzsche emphasizes the importance of a sound and firm instinct, asserting that the strong person is guided by this inner compass. This instinct serves as a safeguard, ensuring that their actions align with their inherent disposition and preferences.
Ultimately, Nietzsche is highlighting the harmony between one’s actions and their natural instincts, reinforcing the idea that a strong individual acts in accordance with their authentic nature and doesn’t engage in deeds contrary to their character or taste.
