Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Conspectus libelli (book outline)', 'On the Genealogy of Morals' and 'Morality and Human Sexuality'

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4 ideas

22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 1. Nature of Ethics / h. Against ethics
3793 We must question the very value of moral values [Nietzsche]
     Full Idea: We need a critique of moral values; the value of these values themselves must just be called in question.
     From: Friedrich Nietzsche (On the Genealogy of Morals [1887], Pre f§3)
     A reaction: But we must start somewhere with values, to avoid an infinite regress.
22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / f. Übermensch
4408 The concept of 'good' was created by aristocrats to describe their own actions [Nietzsche]
     Full Idea: The judgement 'good' did not first originate with those to whom goodness was shown! Rather it was the 'good' themselves, that is to say the noble, powerful, high-stationed and high-minded who established themselves and their action as good.
     From: Friedrich Nietzsche (On the Genealogy of Morals [1887], I.§02)
     A reaction: This may be right, but not very profound. Virtually all concepts are created by the most educated classes. The first recipient of charity may not have had the concept, but they would have been gobsmacked by the novelty.
23716 A strong rounded person soon forgets enemies, misfortunes, and even misdeeds [Nietzsche]
     Full Idea: To be unable to take his enemies, his misfortunes and even his misdeeds seriously for long - that is the sign of strong, rounded natures with a superabundance of power.
     From: Friedrich Nietzsche (On the Genealogy of Morals [1887], I.§10)
     A reaction: An aspect of the 'higher man' that I don't recall being mentioned elsewhere. I basically approve of this, if it means not holding grudges, and living for the future rather than for the past.
22. Metaethics / A. Ethics Foundations / 2. Source of Ethics / g. Will to power
20129 All animals strive for the ideal conditions to express their power, and hate any hindrances [Nietzsche]
     Full Idea: Every animal instinctively strives for an optimum of favourable conditions under which it can expend all its strength and achieve its maximal feeling of power; every animal abhors ...every hindrance that obstructs this path to the optimum.
     From: Friedrich Nietzsche (On the Genealogy of Morals [1887], III.§07)
     A reaction: This became the lynchpin of Nietzsche's account of the source of values. It is a highly naturalistic view, fitting it into evolutionary theory (thought running deeper than that), so I have a lot of sympathy with the view.