Nietzsche: Immoral or Moral?

Carl Gustav Maria Nietzsche is often seen as the antithesis of Christian morality, with some viewing his philosophy as inherently immoral. However, the question of whether Nietzsche was moral or immoral is more complex and depends on one's perspective and values.

Philosophical Vision and Morality

Nietzsche, as an esoteric moralist, aimed to liberate higher human beings from their false consciousness about morality and their misplaced belief that this morality is beneficial for them. He believed in the natural evolution of human values and that morality should adapt and evolve over time. This view inherently challenges traditional, static moral frameworks.

Personal Values vs. Societal Rules

Nietzsche’s philosophy emphasizes personal values over societal rules. He valued greatness, standing above the ordinary, and evolving into something better. His teachings advocate for self-improvement and the pursuit of higher human potential, which can be seen as morally commendable. By this standard, Nietzsche can be considered moral.

He characterized stages of life as the camel, the lion, and the baby. The camel stage involves bearing the labors of life, the lion leads others, and the baby is a symbol of potential and transformation. These stages reflect his belief in personal growth and self-actualization.

Rejection of Traditional Morality

Nietzsche rejected the traditional Christian hierarchy of values, particularly the ideas of humility and service. He challenged the notion of obeying societal rules and believed in the empowerment of individuals to make themselves greater. His rejection of Christian moral values and his advocacy for personal greatness and self-empowerment have been misused to justify atrocities, which is a sad but undeniable consequence of his philosophy.

Philosophical Impact on Society

The Nazi regime often cited Nietzsche's works but twisted his ideas to support their own ideologies. However, this does not necessarily reflect the core of Nietzsche’s moral philosophy. It is crucial to distinguish between the original application of his ideas and their subsequent abuse by authoritarian regimes.

Religious and Secular Perspectives

The question of morality is often tied to religious beliefs. If one adheres to an objective moral standard set by God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ, then Nietzsche’s philosophy can be deemed immoral. However, if one believes in a secular perspective where morality is a subjective construct, then Nietzsche’s philosophy can be seen as just another valid viewpoint.

Personal Integrity and Actions

Nietzsche himself was personally committed to his values. In the First World War, he volunteered as a medical corpsman, which shows his commitment to service and human values, albeit not in the traditional religious sense. This act of volunteerism demonstrates that Nietzsche’s philosophy can coexist with actions that are positive and ethical.

Conclusion

The question of whether Nietzsche was moral or immoral is ultimately a matter of perspective and values. While his philosophy can be used to justify negative actions, his personal values and actions reflect a pursuit of greatness and self-improvement, which can be seen as morally commendable. Understanding his philosophy in context is key to appreciating its full complexity.

Keywords: Nietzsche, Moral, Immoral, Philosophy