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Single Idea 24076

[filed under theme 22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / g. Will to power ]

Full Idea

Whenever we encounter a morality we find an estimation and order of rank of human drives and actions. These are always the expression of the needs of a community and herd. The individual is valued only as a function of the herd.

Gist of Idea

A morality ranks human drives and actions, for the sake of the herd, and subordinating individuals

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (The Gay (Joyful) Science [1882], §116)

Book Ref

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Joyful Science, and 1881-82 fragments (v 6)', ed/tr. Del Caro,Adrian [Stanford 2023], p.123


A Reaction

A particularly clear summary of Nietzsche's understanding of modern morality (which he rejects). I tend to see values as what is important, but Nietzsche sees them as a ranking. Could be both. I see the individualism here as existentialist.


The 8 ideas with the same theme [morality deriving from psychological drives]:

Moral rules are made by the weak members of humanity [Plato]
The self is, apart from outward behaviour, a drive in your nature [Fichte]
Ultimately, all being is willing. The nature of primal being is the same as the nature of willing [Schelling]
A morality ranks human drives and actions, for the sake of the herd, and subordinating individuals [Nietzsche]
All animals strive for the ideal conditions to express their power, and hate any hindrances [Nietzsche]
There is a conspiracy (a will to power) to make morality dominate other values, like knowledge and art [Nietzsche]
The basic tendency of the weak has always been to pull down the strong, using morality [Nietzsche]
The 'will to power' is basically applied to drives and forces, not to people [Nietzsche, by Richardson]