Faced with a world of "modern ideas" which would like to banish everyone into a corner and a "specialty," a philosopher, if there could be a philosopher these days, would be compelled to establish the greatness of mankind, the idea of "greatness," on the basis of his own particular extensive range and multiplicity, his own totality in the midst of diversity.
"Beyond Good and Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future". Book by Friedrich Nietzsche, I. Johnston, trans., § 212, 1886.