When the Abyss Gazes Back: Becoming What You Criticize

Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster… for when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss gazes also into you.

The above quote is from the book Beyond Good and Evil by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. In this work, Nietzsche explores complex ideas about morality, truth, and the human condition. I have a personal interpretation of this quote and a strong reason to believe that Nietzsche was not the first to conceptualize the underlying theme it asserts. Biblical texts not only hint at this idea but also provide an etymological framework for the main concept behind the quote. For instance, the notion of becoming consumed by what one fixates on can be seen in passages like Psalms 27:13, which emphasizes maintaining faith and seeing goodness despite adversities, warning against letting despair consume one’s perspective. David, on the other hand, speaks in the first person about his own experience of how he had fainted (let us suppose this to mean he was consumed by the darkness either in him or around him) and how he overcame this fainting, by believing (choosing to consciously persuade oneself) that he will see the goodness of the LORD.

From my perspective, this quote resonates deeply because it underscores the psychological truth that our obsessions can shape our identity. When we focus excessively on negativity or flaws, we risk becoming enmeshed in the very issues we critique. This idea is not exclusive to Nietzsche; ancient texts, including the Bible, have long warned about the dangers of fixation and the transformative power of our thoughts.

Nietzsche’s philosophical background, steeped in existential and nihilistic traditions, adds depth to his assertion. He challenges us to consider how our perceptions and judgments can turn back on us, altering our essence. This concept is not just philosophically intriguing but also highly relevant today. In our era of constant information flow and social media scrutiny, the idea that what we focus on can consume us is more pertinent than ever. By comparing Nietzsche’s insights with ancient wisdom, we gain a richer understanding of how this timeless theme permeates human thought across cultures and eras.

Nietzsche asserts that when one is fighting a monster, he should be careful lest he become a monster himself, which is akin to saying, “gaze long enough into the abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.” The abyss and monster are, of course, metaphors for some form of darkness — whether actually manifest or merely dark thoughts or proclivities. The Biblical text gives us a verse about how David had fainted unless he believed to see the goodness of the LORD. Both texts hint at something powerful: awareness, which we can say is premised by consciousness (not that it matters in this blog).

Nietzsche suggests that if one becomes overly conscious of the darkness within or around him, he soon becomes part of that darkness. David, on the other hand, speaks in the first person about his own experience of how he had fainted (let us suppose this to mean he was consumed by the darkness either within him or around him) and how he overcame this fainting by believing (choosing to consciously believe) that he would see the goodness of the LORD.

These two texts offer a profound perspective on how a choice in consciousness can alter a person’s reality. If you choose to focus on the darkness within or around you, you risk fainting or being consumed by the abyss. In simpler terms, if you dwell too much on the problem, you may soon find yourself becoming a part of the problem.

Consider this: I once found myself caught in a cycle of negativity at work, constantly focusing on challenges without seeking solutions. It was not until I consciously shifted my mindset towards proactive problem-solving that I began to see positive changes in my environment. This experience underscores the practical wisdom in these texts — our focus shapes our reality more than we realize.

This makes it clear to me why even the Biblical text uses the word “Repent” to symbolize a man who has chosen to be a better person. Why not use other words like “regret” or “complete change”? The word “repent” specifically draws from its etymology, derived from the Greek word Metanoeō (metanoia), meaning “to change one’s mind”. In essence, “repent” signifies a shift in perspective — a change in what one is primarily conscious of.

If you focus too much on what you criticize, you will reach a point where you become exactly what you criticize.

Consider how this concept resonates throughout history and in personal growth journeys. Ancient wisdom and philosophical insights converge on the idea that our focus and consciousness shape our reality. By choosing to redirect our attention towards positive growth and constructive action, we can avoid becoming consumed by negativity or faults we critique in others.