The Will of Power by Friedrich Nietzsche, in which Nietzsche stated, “Christian morality is slave morality.” which refers to the way that Nietzsche compared Christian morality and slave morality which referred to the utility system of morality. In this essay, I will be explaining the actual intent argument that Nietzsche was making, as well as comparing how the master and slave morality compared to Nietzsche’s Ubermensch theory as well.
, as quoted by Nietzsche,, it is important to understand that Nietzsche believed that there was two type of moral system that really was based on many things such as income class and as well as status in the community. Nietzsche believed that depending on whether a person was a leader or a follower there were
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a different set of morals that applied to them. Unlike the common idea that regardless of income of class status morality did not differentiate between people, that good and bad are still perceive equally no matter the person. Nietzsche states, “ the antithesis “good” and “bad” means practically the same as “noble” and “despicable”(Nietzsche, 408).” Nietzsche goes more in-depth by stating that there are actually only two categories of morals, master-morality, and slave-morality. Master-morality as quoted by Nietzsche is basically, “The noble type of man regards himself as a determiner of values; he does not require to be approved of; he passes the judgment:” What is injurious to me is injurious in itself”, he knows that is he himself only who confess honor on things, and he is a creator of values. There is a plenitude, of power, which seeks to overflow... The noble also helps the unfortunate, but not or scarcely out of pity, but rather from an impulse an impulse generated by the super-abundance of power (Nietzsche, 408).” Nietzsche gives many characteristics on those he believes executes master-moralities. A fulfilled individual who does not search for the approval of others because they already have abundant wealth and power, understanding the importance of empathy towards others, not because they might feel bad for them but truly because individuals of master-morality are bursting with wealth and power. Master-morality is not the only type of morality though Nietzsche includes slave morality which was towards people how were of a lower class in which he included certain qualities that would distinguish a person with master morality from someone with slave-moralities. Nietzsche makes a clear disgusting between both moralities.
It is obvious just by the names that according to Nietzsche master-morality is superior above people with “slave-morals”. Nietzsche said that slave-moralities were, “The good man must, in any case, be the safe man; he is good-natured, easily deceived, perhaps a little stupid. Everywhere that slave-morality gains the ascendancy, language shows tendency to approximate the significance of the words “good” and “stupid”. A list fundamental difference: the desire to freedom, the instinct for happiness and the refinements of the feeling of liberty belong as necessarily to slave-morals and morality, a arfice and enthusiasm in reverence and devotion are the regular symptoms of an aristocratic mode of thinking and estimating (Nietzsche, 409).” To Nietzsche, he considered those of slave-morality different from those who held master-morals, What made those with “slave-morals” different is that according to Nietzsche people with slave morals were are from nature not because of an overflow of wealth and powers. Those of slave-morality are really those who are good by nature and will help others because it is the good thing to do but also are dumb and naive. There's also something else that makes those with slave-morals different according to Nietzsche those people also are seeking freedom, by that he means that they seek a sense of independence which they do not have because of lack of wealth and …show more content…
influence. After understanding the two type of morals what did Nietzsche mean when he states that, “Christian moralities is slave-moralities “.
Well, it must be noted that Nietzsche did not have a good relationship with Christianity, that is clear when Nietzsche express how he feels about Christianity “I regard Christianity as the most fatal and seductive lie that has ever yet existed (Nietzsche, 409).” It was obvious that to Nietzsche Christianity was a lie and he did not agree with the Christian belief. Now knowing what he felt about Christianity it is much clearer he meant with his comparison of Christian morals and slave morals. Nietzsche meant that since he believed that Christianity was a lie, Christians were exhibiting a lot of the same states of someone with slave morals to Nietzsche those with Christian beliefs were naïve as well as easily deceived for believing what they believed. Edwin Dodge Hardin author of Nietzsche’s Service to Christianity states his interpretation of Master-morality and Slave-morality, “ Nietzsche built up from history two standards of human conduct, calling the one the “master-morality” of the free and independent man who has at all times constituted the small minority in society, and the other the “slave-morality” developed by the great bulk of humanity who are deficient and feeble in the body and mind and whom he regards as the legitimate instruments and even, should the necessity arise victims of their rightful master( (Hardin).” Hardin is
restating the different qualities of people with both moral types. It is interesting the way that ties in with Christianity and Christians themselves because in ways Christians are an instrument of God and the Church. Daniel Kolak, the author of Lovers of Wisdom states that “we identify ourselves as part of the same group by willfully ignoring and thereby suppressing from our conscious the primordial fact that no two persons are alike; a false identity is imposed upon by various religions (Kolak, 404).” What Kolak is doing is supporting the Idea that was originated from Nietzsche that even though there is two type of moralities there are not two types of people in this world and by molding your mind into thinking that someone other person has the same exact ideas on religion as another person is ignorant. So overall according to Nietzsche, not every person will be the same and will not have the same ideas and by believing in Christianity you are not executing the moral of a master but more so a slave because by believing in Christianity you are compressing your thoughts and ideas to seek the approval of someone else. Now what does comparing Christian morality to slave morality have to do with the Ubermensch theory? Well, it is important to first understand what the Ubermensch is, to start of Ubermensch when translated means to “Superman” or “overman”. Nietzsche first introduces the theory of Ubermensch in his book Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Nietzsche states that “The Ubermensch shall be the meaning of the earth! I entreat you with my brethren, remaining true to the earth, and do not believe those who speak to you of superterrestrial hopes! Behold I teach you the Ubermensch: he is this lightning, he is this madness! Behold I am a prophet of the lighting and a heavy drop from the clouds: but this lighting is called Ubermensch (Nietzsche).” Although Nietzsche never truly defines what Ubermensch the way that many interpret the quote is that Ubermensch was a man that was in charge of God like figure. Not only is it obvious that Nietzsche saw the Ubermensch as a god like figure when he states that the overman is the meaning of earth but also when describing the Ubermensch as lighting and then in turn explains that if Ubermensch is lighting than he is the prophet of lighting, Meaning that to Nietzsche Ubermensch was really a god like figure and him he was the prophet in charge of spreading the word of Ubermensch, A philosopher at Stanford university interpreted overman or an Ubermensch in Nietzsche's idea of an overman and life from his point of view in which the professor describe certain qualities that he believed applied to Ubermensch, “An overman is someone who can establish his own values as the world in which others live their lives, often unaware that they are not pregiven. This means an overman can affect and influence the lives of others. In other words, an overman has his own values, independent of others, which affects and dominates others’ lives that may not have predetermined values but only herd instinct. An overman is then someone who has a life which is not merely to live each day with no meanings when nothing in the past and future is more important than the present, or more precisely, the pleasure and happiness in the present, but with the purpose for humanity (Nietzsche's idea of an overman and life from his point of view (Nietzsche).” It is important to note that since Nietzsche never truly makes it clear what an overman is, but instead gives briefs excerpts of what an overman could be, there is many different types of interpretations by different philosophers. Now that there is an understanding of what an overman or Ubermensch, what do Nietzsche beliefs of this superman type person and this beliefs in master and slave morality have to do with each other. Well it is important to note that in many ways the way in which Nietzsche describes the Ubermensch theory and someone who has master morality have many other the same overall characteristics; like in the way in which he describes someone of master morality as someone who Although an Ubermensch and someone who holds morals of a master can be very similar. What was Nietzsche trying to state that someone who has master morality is some who overflows with powers and also some who has no regard for what others think? Someone who has wealth as well. As for an Ubermensch comparing then to someone of master morality if an Ubermensch is God like as stated by Nietzsche than he himself is someone who holds wealth and powers as well as someone who does not do things with the regard of what others think. There is notable differences between an Ubermensch and someone who has master moralities and that is that as stated before when Nietzsche referred to an Ubermensch he was comparing more to a God-like figure and although both do have power and wealth as well as do things for overs without caring about the thoughts of others, as stated by Nietzsche himself, “ To conclude, now understanding master and slave morality and the morality of Ubermensch. What one can take away is that that there are many similarities between master and the Ubermensch morality but it must or that the different that Nietzsche wanted was for people to understand that Ubermensch was more than just a person but more like a God-like figure and people should follow the theory of Ubermensch and try and be more like an Ubermensch and less like a regular human being.
In his narrative, Frederick Douglass shows how Christianity was used as a major justification for slavery and for the actions of slave masters, but he also shows how the religion provided hope for slaves themselves. In an appendix added at the end of the narrative, he draws a distinction between “the Christianity of this land” and “the Christianity of Christ,” saying that there is the “widest possible difference” between them. As he puts it, “I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ: I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity of this land.” In other words, Douglass thinks that Christianity has been corrupted in America, where people hypocritically use it to justify their injustices.
Christianity was used as a tool for keeping the slaves docile and obedient to their master. They were only taught passages that emphasized submissiveness and learned only their master’s words. Throughout their narratives both Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs expose the hypocrisy and moral contradictions between the religion slaveholders preach and true Christianity. We learn that having a religious master is one of the worst things as a slave because masters feel a certain entitlement to commit these horrible crimes and that God is behind them. Separating the Christianity of the South and true or Godly Christianity became essential in realizing that religion could be used as justification for freedom. Douglass’ and Jacobs’ ability to read allowed them to make their own inferences of the Bible and learned that God did not advocate enslavement. This alienation enabled them to use faith and the Bible’s passages relaying equality as tools against their enslavement, first mentally and then
Douglass makes the distinction between the true and false forms of Christianity clear in the Appendix of his Narrative. He first characterizes the Christianity of Christ, practiced by himself, his fellow slaves, and non-slave owners in general, as genuine and peaceable. This sort of ideology is true to what Douglass interprets as the actual teachings of the Bible, and adherents are humble, kind, impartial, and nondiscriminatory. Douglass then distinguishes this proper ideology from the “corrupt, slave-holding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial, and hypocritical Christianity of this land” (430). Douglass believes that slavery and Christianity are opposing forces. The teachings of C...
Nietzsche’s Genealogy of Morals can be assessed in regards to the three essays that it is broken up into. Each essay derives the significance of our moral concepts by observing
For thousands of years the Bible has represented the foundation for one of the largest religions in existence, Christianity. “The Book” affects millions of people’s lives. The creation of morals makes the biggest impacts on individuals and society. Morals are hinted at throughout “The Book”, but are clearly stated in Matthew’s gospel. These morals are written in a series called the Beatitudes. Through morals, laws are created and society is given guidelines, most people see this in a positive manner. Friederich Nietzsche, a philosopher from the late 1800’s, views religion as a cult made for weak minded simpletons who need something to carry them through life. Nietzsche is often viewed as an antichrist; in fact he even wrote “The Antichrist,” an essay that seems to be his boarding pass and a ticket to hell. But there is some merit in his satanic ideas about religion one need only to view them from faithless eyes. Nietzsche’s ideas dismiss those of Matthew and how religion is a con to suppress the strong and make the weak feel important.
The theory behind The Will to Power is incredibly well supported despite the fact that it is simply a collection of notes from Nietzsche's later years. It is a wonderful compilation of the premise behind all of his other works and the summary of their individual points. The most amazing aspect of the book and the philosophy is the incredible validity of it even now, over a hundred years after it was written. The social order of his new world needed to be addressed more, but the principles proposed stand sturdily on their own two feet confident in their own will to power.
Explanation Nietzsche’s conception of the “social straightjacket” and the history of morality in relation to selfhood and social norms.
The first-rate admirable people follow a master morality emphasizing power, strength, egoism, and freedom. While slave morality focuses on weakness, submission, love, and sympathy. For Nietzsche, the Will to Power is the distinguished as the dominant principle of biological function, without the Will to Power abusing the weaknesses of everyone being equal, with that society cannot and will not develop. The Will to Power is also defined as the Will to Life.
Volksgeist in German means the “national character” or the spirit of the people, while zeitgeist the spirit of time. Nietzsche, a fighter against his own age, eventually becomes the emblem of his time. He dislikes equality and freedom in democracy, saying they are the remnant of Christian weakness and a squelching of the best of human nature. He’s against Kant’s concept of duty contending that the love of following a strict moral rule is a symptom of obedience and the rejection of the 'will to power'. He opposes Bentham’s utilitarian contentment for the pursuit of 'happiness', a passive denial of life and a state more like that of a herd-animal than a human being. Nietzsche advocates Master morality that issues from a self-reinforcing, self-governing, creative and commanding mindset that label everything like oneself as “good” and other plebeian trait “bad”; as opposed to the one of reactive subordinate “ressentiment” of slave morality that excuse one’s inferiority and failure on a noble and powerful external object as the scapegoat and label it as “evil”, while the opposite of it like oneself as “good”. Nietzsche claims that to be a truly free agent is to be causa sui, the cause of oneself, not the reactive response to the outside stimuli. Only the Ubermensch, or over-human, could achieve that. Nietzsche begins his premise with the assumption that God does not exist, thus objective morality and inherent value are not possible since there is no ultimate being. Nietzsche's Ubermensch will act as one’s own God, giving oneself morality. The Ubermensch is neither slave or master of others. The Ubermensch is an independent individual who has the power to banish herd instincts from his mind and become a master with self restraint and di...
The role of Christianity plays an extensive part in a slave’s life. Christianity gives the slaves a sense of belonging and faith. They feel that they can depend on God for their fortunes and that He will guide them out of their misfortunes. How does religion play a role in their lives and their views on “good” and “bad” masters? The slaves that are Christian has a better and wholesome perception of life while slaves that are not Christian look at life in a pessimistic way.
Friedrich Nietzsche’s On Truth and Lies in a Nonmoral Sense represents a deconstruction of the modern epistemological project. Instead of seeking for truth, he suggests that the ultimate truth is that we have to live without such truth, and without a sense of longing for that truth. This revolutionary work of his is divided into two main sections. The first part deals with the question on what is truth? Here he discusses the implication of language to our acquisition of knowledge. The second part deals with the dual nature of man, i.e. the rational and the intuitive. He establishes that neither rational nor intuitive man is ever successful in their pursuit of knowledge due to our illusion of truth. Therefore, Nietzsche concludes that all we can claim to know are interpretations of truth and not truth itself.
Christianity is that slave revolt. The problem for Nietzsche is the New Testament - the introduction of Jesus. He thinks that linking the Old Testament with the New Testament is very cheeky. They are two different books with complete different ideas and so should not be linked together. The Old Testament is full of power - Nietzsche likes that.
Nietzsche argues that there are two ultimate types of morality. That's is ‘Master Morality' and ‘Slave morality'. He argues that Master morality weigh actions based on a scale of good or bad consequences, whereas ‘Slave Morality' weighs more on good and evil intentions. He is basically stating that slave morality values kindness, sympathy and humility and master morality values pride. Nietzsche believes that master morality is that of the strong-willed and criticizes the views the good is everything that is helpful and bad is everything harmful. He agrees that we the people are basing everything on the acceptance of
Nietzsche describes two types of people on different ends of the spectrum, the higher of the two being masters. Master morality is associated with being good, powerful, wealthy, and pure. Having master morality means someone is more wealthy than another, more noble than another, and better than their counter parts. On the other end of the spectrum, slave morality is associated with being bad, weak, poor, and impure. There are different traits associated with both sides, for example, masters are considered wealthy, but corrupt; while slaves are considered kind, but weak. Unless a person has reached the state of master morality they will never be as good as those who have, to understand how to make that transition, we must understand which traits are considered good and which traits are considered bad.
Nietzsche, Friedrich W., and Walter A. Kaufmann. Beyond Good and Evil. New York: Vintage, 1989. Print.