On the Genealogy of Morals

by

Friedrich Nietzsche

On the Genealogy of Morals Terms

Ascetic ideals

Ascetic ideals are values that advocate withdrawing, abstaining, or rejecting bodily, emotional, and material aspects of everyday life. Nietzsche says the Christian motto of “poverty, chastity, humility” is an ascetic ideal because it suggests that… read analysis of Ascetic ideals

Etymology

Etymology is the study of how word meanings change and evolve over time. read analysis of Etymology

Pessimism

Pessimism is a philosophical term that applies to thinkers who believe the human experience is fundamentally painful, miserable, or characterized by suffering. Schopenhauer is a pessimist because he believes that human existence is driven by… read analysis of Pessimism

Nihilism

Nihilism is the philosophical view that human existence is meaningless and futile. Nihilists believe that there’s no life after death, and they consequently struggle to experience life with joy, knowing that it’s just going to… read analysis of Nihilism

Metaphysics

Metaphysics is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature of reality. Metaphysical aspects of life are the abstract, invisible, immaterial components of reality that structure, underpin, or drive the human perception. read analysis of Metaphysics
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Will

The philosopher Schopenhauer thinks that the “will” is a universal, relentless, striving sensation that underpins all reality and experience. To Schopenhauer, the will is metaphysical—meaning he thinks that it’s the basis of reality, and… read analysis of Will