44 pages 1 hour read

Friedrich Nietzsche

On the Genealogy of Morals

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1887

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In On the Genealogy of Morals, Friedrich Nietzsche analyzes the origins and purpose of morality, examining how concepts like "good" and "evil" have been shaped by social power dynamics. He argues that virtues such as honesty and humility were created by oppressed peoples to counter the values of the ruling classes, whereas "slave morality" promotes meekness and benefits the powerful. Nietzsche contends that individuals should develop their own values outside the constraints of traditional Christian morality. The book explores themes such as morality and power, the untamed individual, and ascetic ideals. It addresses historical and linguistic origins of moral concepts, the development of guilt and sin, and the life-denying nature of asceticism. Some readers may find terms like "slave morality" and "master morality" offensive.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Friedrich Nietzsche's On the Genealogy of Morals is widely praised for its provocative exploration of morality's origins and its critical perspective on traditional values. However, some readers find its dense prose challenging and its arguments requiring extensive prior knowledge of Nietzsche's work. Despite these hurdles, it remains an essential text for understanding Nietzschean philosophy.

Who should read this

Who Should Read On the Genealogy of Morals?

Ideal for readers interested in philosophy, ethics, and human psychology, On the Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Nietzsche will captivate those who appreciated Beyond Good and Evil or Michel Foucault’s Discipline and Punish. It's perfect for those who question traditional moral values and enjoy profound, provocative thought.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

1430L

Book Details

Topics

Philosophy

Education

History: World

Themes

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality

Genre

German Literature

Education

Psychology