Single Idea 24107

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / e. Human nature]

Full Idea

Once it has taken control of the intellect, every single human drive probably demands to be recognised as the ultimate lord and goal-setter of all human matters.

Gist of Idea

Once a drive controls the intellect, it rules, and sets the goals

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Unpublished Notebooks 1882-84 [1883], 7[057])

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Fragments from the period of 'Zarathustra' (v 14)', ed/tr. Loeb/Tinsley [Stanford 2019], p.233


A Reaction

This is the best line of attack against the view I like, that human values arise out of the central functions of human nature. It is roughly the existential objection. Is all intellect controlled by some drive, or can intellect seize control of a drive?

Related Idea

Idea 24117 We need lower and higher drives, but they must be under firm control [Nietzsche]