The Will to Power

In Book 3, Part 2, Nietzsche says, “one always has to defend the strong against the weak; the fortunate against the unfortunate” (364). He acknowledges this statement may sound “strange” (364). The strong, by definition, seem to be those who can defend themselves. The weak, by the same token, are those whose lack of power makes it unnecessary to defend anyone against them. More alarmingly, for some, Nietzsche seems to valorize political elites over ordinary people. Nietzsche’s disparaging attitude toward the oppressed is reinforced by his praise for “noble” and “aristocratic” virtues and his apparent suggestion that a new aristocracy should replace democratically elected leaders.

While it would be wrong to dismiss these points entirely, his interest in The Will to Power is not primarily to defend the upper classes. Nor does he want to defend “the strong” in a physical or political sense. Rather, his interest in these types is usually, although sometimes confusingly, with exceptional individuals. Conversely, “the weak” is a proxy term for the majority, the average, and what Nietzsche often calls “the herd.” Nietzsche’s main concern, as seen in his critiques of morality and religion, is that individuality and excellence are endangered by the conformist masses. Far from being a conservative, let alone a proto-fascist, Nietzsche seeks to diagnose the causes of the social docility and submissiveness that he saw around him.