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Single Idea 4559

[from 'The Will to Power (notebooks)' by Friedrich Nietzsche, in 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / c. Justice ]

Full Idea

One desires freedom as long as one does not possess power. Once one does possess it, one desires to overpower; if one cannot do that (if one is too weak), one desires 'justice', i.e. equal power.

Gist of Idea

When powerless one desires freedom; if power is too weak, one desires equal power ('justice')

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (The Will to Power (notebooks) [1888], §784)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Will to Power', ed/tr. Kaufmann,W /Hollingdate,R [Vintage 1968], p.412


A Reaction

Personally I hope the Martians have freedom and justice, but that is presumably just a sublimation. People have given up power for freedom and justice.