The Will to Power

Throughout his career, Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche explored the concept of the will to power, interpreting it variously as a psychological, biological, and metaphysical principle. This posthumously produced volume, drawn from his unpublished notebooks, collects the nineteenth-century philosopher's thoughts on the force that drives humans toward achievement, dominance, and creative activity.
Misunderstandings of Nietzsche's previous works compelled the author to attempt to express his doctrines in a more unequivocal form. These writings elucidate the principle that he held to be the essential factor of all existence — the drive and energy to develop independently according to one's nature, rather than being dominated by outside forces. A work that both illuminates and extends our understanding of Nietzsche's earlier books, this volume offers reflections on art, morality, Christianity, nihilism, and other topics that provide absorbing glimpses into the mind of one of philosophy's great thinkers.

German philosopher Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche (1844–1900) ranks among the most influential of modern thinkers. His explorations of the motives underlying Western philosophy, religion, and morality have exercised a profound effect on generations of writers, theologians, philosophers, and psychologists. Although Nietzsche was strongly opposed to nationalism and anti-Semitism, his works were appropriated by Fascists to support the very concepts he deplored.

BOOK ONE

A Plan
Nihilism

Nihilism as an Outcome of the Valuations and Interpretations of Existence which have Prevailed Heretofore
Further Causes of Nihilism
The Nihilistic Movement as an Expression of Decadence
The Crisis: Nihilism and the Idea of Recurrence

Concerning the History of European Nihilism

A. Modern Gloominess
B. The Last Centuries
C. Signs of Increasing Strength

BOOK TWO
A Criticism of the Highest Values that Have Prevailed Hitherto

Criticism of Religion

Concerning the Origin of Religions
Concerning the History of Christianity
Christian Values

A Criticism of Morality

The Origin of Moral Valuations
The Herd
General Observations Concerning Morality
How Virtue Is Made to Dominate
The Moral Ideal

A Criticism of Ideals
A Criticism of the “Good Man,” of the Saint, Etc.
Concerning the Slander of the So-Called Evil Qualities
A Criticism of the Words: Improving, Perfecting, Elevating

Concluding Remarks Concerning the Criticism of Morality

Criticism of Philosophy

General Remarks
A Criticism of Greek Philosophy
The Truths and Errors of Philosophers
Concluding Remarks in the Criticism of Philosophy

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Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials