What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
Meaning
This aphorism suggests that surviving difficult experiences and challenges will ultimately lead to increased resilience and personal growth.
Origin
The phrase is famously attributed to the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, appearing in his 1888 work Götzen-Dämmerung, oder Wie man mit dem Hammer philosophirt (Twilight of the Idols, or How to Philosophize with a Hammer). Nietzsche wrote, "Aus der Kriegsschule des Lebens: Was mich nicht umbringt, macht mich stärker," which translates to "From life's school of war: What does not kill me makes me stronger." This powerful declaration reflects his philosophy that overcoming hardship isn't just about enduring, but actively transforms individuals, forging greater strength and capacity from the trials they face. His words, born from a life dedicated to challenging conventional thought and marked by personal struggle, quickly cemented themselves in the popular consciousness as a testament to human resilience.
Examples
- After facing bankruptcy and rebuilding his business, he truly understood that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
- The intense training regimen was grueling, but the athletes believed that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, pushing them to new limits.