Where Does Our Morality Come from and Do We Have a Say?
Have you ever asked yourself where your morality comes from? Why do you value the things that you do?
These questions were answered by German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in his book Thus Spake Zarathustra.
In this article I will discuss the how moral values are created and their implications.
THE ORIGINS OF MORALITY AND VALUES
Nietzsche describes the origins of morality in chapter 15 “The Thousand and One Goals:”
A table of excellencies hangeth over every people. Lo, it is the table of their triumphs; lo, it is the voice of their Will to Power.
It is laudable, what they think hard; what is indispensable and hard they call good; and what relieveth in the direst distress, the unique and hardest of all - they extol as holy.
Whatever maketh them rule and conquer and shine, to the dismay and envy of their neighbhors, they regard as the high and foremost thing, the test and meaning of all else.
This quote really breaks down into a nutshell the origins and purpose of morality, good and evil, and values.
People’s morality and values are handed to them from people who have power, such as priests, politicians, journalists, professors, etc. Whatever gives people power and allows them to rule over others is called good or holy. That which is called good or noble is what best serves the power elite. Nietzsche mentions in another book, “The Genealogy of Morals,” that what is called noble in society is what is simply valued by the nobility.
When Nietzsche mentions a “table of excellencies,” he’s referring to doctrine that defines morality and values, such as religious texts. This table of excellencies looms over all our heads and we’re judged according to its dictates. These dictates come from those who have power.
This is why so many people have a herd-like mentality. A herd-like mentality is where people follow in line with everyone else and do as they are told by their master. The master determines what is valued and what is called good. To be a free thinker and have your own values is very rare in society.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
The beauty of this all is that if mankind can create its own values, then we as individuals can create our own morality. We can destroy the morality that has been dictated to us and create our own morality that is aligned with our own values.
Nietzsche mentioned this when he said:
“Change of values - that is, change of the creating ones. Always doth he destroy who hath to be a creator.
In other words, rather than letting someone else maintain power by dictating your values, you determine your own values and morals. Be a creating one and create your own values. Don’t allow the morality of others hold you back in life and live your life as you see fit.
Become powerful.
Notes:
Nietzsche, Friedrich (1885). Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book for All and None. Wordsworth Editions Limited.