Single Idea 14822

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 3. Natural Values / c. Natural rights]

Full Idea

If we accept self-defense as moral, then we must also accept nearly all expressions of so-called immoral egoism.

Gist of Idea

If self-defence is moral, then so are most expressions of 'immoral' egoism

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Human, All Too Human [1878], 104)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Human, All Too Human', ed/tr. Faber,Marion [Penguin 1994], p.72


A Reaction

I find this idea rather disconcerting, because I have always thought that the clearest possible 'natural right' was that of self-defence - but this implication (if it be so) had never struck me. Hm.