Yea, my friend, the bad conscience art thou of thy neighbours; for they are unworthy of thee. Therefore they hate thee, and would fain suck thy blood.
First Part · XII. The Flies in the Market-Place
Small ones' hidden vengeance on the great
Read in the book →The flies flatter, whimper and feign amiability, but suspect the great one and punish his virtues. Even his gentleness makes them feel despised, and his greatness makes them more fly-like.
- Revenge and ressentimentFlattery, suspicion and secret maleficence are the small man's vengeance against whoever makes him feel small.
- Friendship, neighbour-love and love of the farthestThe neighbours' flies are the opposite of friendship: they hate the one who is their bad conscience.