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Nietzsche's Theory Of Slave Morality

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An attempt to propose a universal moral law is invariably a denial of the fullest expression of man’s elementary vital energies. As a consequence he condemned Christianity and Judaism as worse offenders because they are both contrary to man’s basic nature and thus produced what he called botched and bungled lives and debilitates man. Hence he proposes a morality that is not based on God, but allows man to realise himself and be free of any religious caprices. He therefore proposes twofold idea of good and evil, and that is, the master morality and the slave morality.
3.3.1 Master Morality (Herren-Moral):
The master morality for Nietzsche is a representation of the ascending line in man’s development, in which man seeks the attainment of the …show more content…

Nietzsche maintains that the slave morality portrays an inferior and descending form of life, owing to the fact that slave morality is retrogressive; it exults those qualities that are associated with their debilitating state of existence. The slave morality was perceived as an obstacle to human development, in view of the fact that it strives to bring all men to the same level through absolute and universal moral laws applicable to all men. This goes a long way in preventing people from developing into strong and powerful men, for the fear that such men will become dangerous and evil. Slave morality begins in those people who are weak, uncertain of themselves, oppressed and abused. Understandably, characteristics of those who fall under the slave morality often include being pessimistic, distrustful and sceptical. Christian religion according to Nietzsche is only meant for the dastardly species of men as its endeavour has been to stifle intellectual pursuit and obliterate the best part of man. These deplorable things are done in the name of God whose command and prohibitions it claims to hand down to men. He accuses Christianity of catalysing and fuelling the spread and domination of the slave decadent morality. Besides Christianity, humanitarian democracy and socialism which Nietzsche considers as secularized offspring of Christianity, also promote the spread of slave morality. In other words, he attacks Christianity for spreading the decadent herd morality with its ascetic ideals which he regards as the arch enemy of his humanistic conception of existence. Furthermore, Christianity according to Nietzsche debases man and stunts his intellectual pursuit and equally destroys the best part of man. Christianity he

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Frederick Douglass’s narrative provides a first hand experience into the imbalance of power between a slave and a slaveholder and the negative effects it has on them both. Douglass proves that slavery destroys not only the slave, but the slaveholder as well by saying that this “poison of irresponsible power” has a dehumanizing effect on the slaveholder’s morals and beliefs (Douglass 40). This intense amount of power breaks the  kindest heart and changes the slaveholder into a heartless demon (Douglass 40). Yet these are not the only ways that Douglass proves what ill effect slavery has on the slaveholder. Douglass also uses deep characterization, emotional appeal, and religion to present the negative effects of slavery.

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Also, in the same chapter, Douglass’ expresses his feelings for Mr.Freeland stating, “I will give Mr.Freeland the credit for being the best master I ever had” (Douglass 49). Douglass’ states that Mr.Freeland was not religious but he was the best master he ever had. It is ironic that non-religious slaveholders treat their slaves better than religious slaveholders. Therefore, Douglass notes the irony of religious and non-religious slaveholders: religious slaveholders being more cruel than non-religious slaveholders. Douglass perceives how slaves are treated worse than animals.

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It claims that this religion instills guilt for the feelings and aspirations that are inherent to humanity while promoting a moral system that consistently goes against the instincts and nature of mankind. In seeking moral excellence and “the ideals of humanity,” Nietzsche asserts that mankind loses its instinctive desire to grow and become powerful and, therefore, becomes corrupt (Nietzsche 6). To simplify, corruption can be defined as straying away from innate feelings that encourage growth and yearn for power. Nietzsche uses the concept of transvaluation of values to reiterate his argument that everything that Christianity suggested is good is actually evil and vice versa. Nietzsche sees Christianity as nihilistic, stressing that the values and traditions leave people yearning for redemption that they will never be able to achieve on their own.

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