Intellectual haughtiness#
Summary#
Nietzsche characterizes intellectual haughtiness as the silent pride of those who have suffered deeply and believe that their suffering grants them knowledge inaccessible to the shrewdest and wisest who have not endured the same. This pride of the elect of knowledge requires disguise to protect itself from sympathizing hands and those unequal in suffering. Profound suffering separates and ennobles, leading sufferers to adopt masks such as Epicurean gaiety, scientific detachment, or even folly to conceal their broken yet proud hearts.