On the Genealogy of Morals

Friedrich Nietzsche’s On the Genealogy of Morals: A Polemic (1887) is an analysis of the development of morality in human history. The renowned 19th-century philosopher wrote On the Genealogy of Morals to entice readers to his larger works. In it, he challenges traditional ideals about Christian morality and the origin of virtue and ethics. Nietzsche argues that moral values are products of social power. Qualities which society has deemed virtues—such as honesty, meekness, patience, and humility—were developed by oppressed peoples to project a false sense of superiority over those who champion power, domination, and wealth. The docility of what Nietzsche calls “slave morality” benefits the nobility by ensuring lower classes govern themselves through self-discipline. Nietzsche is a renowned philosopher whose radical and thought-provoking works have inspired a wide variety of readers, thinkers, and interest groups.

Other works by this author include On The Advantage And Disadvantage Of History For Life, Beyond Good And Evil, and The Birth of Tragedy.

This guide uses the 2013 paperback edition by Penguin Classics translated by Michael A. Scarpitti.

Content Warning: The source text uses the terms “slave morality” and “master morality” throughout, which some readers may find offensive.