Nietzsche’s Superman and Moral Philosophy: A Critical Analysis
Genealogy of Morals and the Superman
Nietzsche, in his Genealogy of Morals, posits that powerful noble men behave like birds of prey, justifying the pain and suffering of others. He argues that the world is justified as it is, with its inherent strength and weakness, joy and suffering. We cannot blame the bird of prey for feeding on lambs, but humans should use their freedom to restrain conduct that harms others. Nietzsche’s superman is a goal to achieve, a being free from the hatred and resentment of slaves. The superman acts without hatred, even indifference, finding fulfillment in strength, not weakness. (Raskolnikov in Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment was not a superman, as he relied on others to achieve his goals.) The true superman is a pure spirit, self-referential, rejoicing in the accomplishments of others, and not needing to build happiness on the unhappiness of others. This concept of the superman should be a regulative idea for our conduct. Slave morality has not entirely triumphed, as many people, given the opportunity, act without moral restraint. While some homogenizing moral virtues can be harmful, the actions of Nietzsche’s “blond beast” are not admirable.
Comparison of Nietzsche’s Morality with Other Authors
Nietzsche vs. Kant
Nietzsche attacks Kant’s limitation of pure reason and his respect for Christianity, which exalts weakness and denigrates strength. Kant’s morality is formalistic, aiming for universal and necessary precepts, implying the interchangeability of human actions. Nietzsche rejects this, arguing that actions are not interchangeable, and virtue should be a force that propels individuals to their highest point, not an educational tool for a homogeneous herd. The fight against moral formalism is a fight to reconvert virtue into a liberating force for the strong.
Personal Opinion
I agree with Nietzsche that creative values, self-worth, tireless energy, and the love of life enhance individuals and society. Gloom, resignation, lack of self-sacrifice, and self-pity are detrimental. Fernando Savater argues that the Nietzschean superman does not treat others more harshly than himself, is not responsible for the weakness of others, and is entitled to be happy.