Equality: A Different Perspective - Part 1

Nietzsche's Thus Spake Zarathustra, Chapter 29, "The Tarantulas"

The idea of equality has existed since the Age of Enlightenment up to the present times.

The philosophy of equality is inextricably tied to Western Civilization and the founding documents of countries, such as the United States and France. On a daily basis we hear on the news and out of the mouths of politicians that more equality is needed in society. Friedrich Nietzsche had a different perspective on equality that differs from what most people hear. I want to provide a critique on equality from Nietzsche’s perspective.

In Friedrich Nietzsche’s book, “Thus Spake Zarathustra,” he uses a parable to analyze the motives of the people who extol the virtue of equality.

The Underlying Motives of Promoting Equality for All:

The parable starts off with entering a tarantula den and observing the tarantulas and their webs. He refers to the tarantulas as “preachers of equality.” Nietzsche states that…

“Revenge is in thy soul: wherever thou bitest, there ariseth black scab; with revenge thy poison maketh the soul giddy!”

In this quote he is referring to the underlying motive of equality as being revenge. Equality is used as a weapon of revenge to attack and take from others. He also mentions that people who promote equality appear to be spirited and inspired people, but it’s vengeance that inspires them.

“Will to Equality” - that itself shall henceforth be the name of virtue; and against all that hath power will we raise an outcry. Ye preachers of equality, the tyrant-frenzy of impotence crieth thus in you for “equality;” your most secret tyrant-longing disguise themselves thus in virtue-words!

In this quote he is stating that equality has become the name of virtue itself and that it is used as an outcry against everyone who has power. Ever since the idea of equality developed over 300 years ago, it has been used to reduce the power anyone or thing who has power; equality was the virtue extolled in the French Revolution, American Revolution, Civil Rights legislation, etc. These various movements sought to take power from people and institutions who had power by people who didn’t have the same power. Nietzsche seems to state that equality is a power grab by weaker people or groups against stronger people and institutions. The weapon used for these revolutions is the “virtue” and “justice” of equality.

Furthermore, Nietzsche describes these “preachers of equality” as having tyrannical natures and hiding their tyrannical desires in the words of virtue. How a lot of ideas, beliefs, and agendas are championed in this world is by labeling them virtuous. Once someone mentions the words virtue or values, I instantly become skeptical. Nietzsche says just as much when he says to “distrust all who talk about their justice.”

Reference:

Nietzsche, Friedrich (1883). Thus Spake Zarathustra, pages 97-98 Wordsworth Editions Limited.