Single Idea 4511

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue]

Full Idea

It would arouse doubts in us concerning a man if we heard he needed reasons for remaining decent: certainly, we would avoid him.

Gist of Idea

We would avoid a person who always needed reasons for remaining decent

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (The Will to Power (notebooks) [1888], §313)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Will to Power', ed/tr. Kaufmann,W /Hollingdate,R [Vintage 1968], p.173


A Reaction

This is a perfect slogan for virtue theory, and so rather surprising coming from Nietzsche. And 'decent' isn't a great Nietzsche value (though he WAS a very decent man).