The Will to Power

by Nietzsche, Friedrich (1968)

Abstract

Assembled by Nietzsche's sister after his death, The Will to Power is a collection of the philosopher's reflections and theories taken from his unpublished notebooks. Covering topics such as nihilism, Christianity, morality and the famous 'will to power', the book was controversially presented as Nietzsche's all-but-completed magnum opus containing his philosophical system. Including some of his most interesting metaphysical and epistemological thoughts, as well as some of his most disturbing ethical and political comments, the book would prove to have a significant influence on Nietzsche's contentious reception in the twentieth century.

Key Passage

730: That something longer-lasting than an individual should endure, that a work should endure which has perhaps been created by an individual: to that end, every possible kind of limitation, one-sidedness, etc., must be imposed upon the individual. By what means? Love, reverence, gratitude toward the person who created the work helps; or that our forefathers fought for it; or that my descendants will be guaranteed only if I guarantee this work (e.g., the polis). Morality is essentially the means of ensuring the duration of something beyond individuals, or rather through an enslavement of the individual. It is obvious that the perspective from below will produce quite different expressions from that from above.  (p.387)

Keywords

Nietzsche, Philosophy, Nihilism, Christianity, Aristocracy, Noiblity, Slavery, Division Of Labour

Themes

Nietzsche Citations

Links to Reference

• https://trove.nla.gov.au/version/234125034

Translator

Kaufman, W.; Hollingdale, R. J.

Citation

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