Introduction
In Friedrich Nietzsche’s second essay, “On the Genealogy of Morality,” he delves into a daring and profound exploration of the origin of ‘bad conscience.’ Nietzsche posits a theory that challenges conventional wisdom, presenting a narrative of societal transformation and the intricate interplay between internalization, societal structures, and religious concepts. He vividly compares humanity’s adaptation to societal constraints to sea animals forced to become land animals, emphasizing the weight of newfound consciousness and the loss of instinctual guidance. He asserts, “Now they had to walk on their feet and ‘carry themselves’, whereas they had been carried by the water up till then: a terrible heaviness bore down on them” (Nietzsche 56).
Summary of Nietzsche’s On the Genealogy of Morality
The philosopher contends that man’s internalization occurred due to obstructed external instincts, leading to the birth of what he terms the ‘soul.’ Nietzsche captures the essence of this transformation, stating, “All instincts which are not discharged outwardly turn inwards – this is what I call the internalization of man: with it, there now evolves in man what will later be called his ‘soul’” (Nietzsche 57).
According to Nietzsche, the turning point was the imposition of societal bulwarks against wild instincts, leading to their redirection against oneself. Animosity, cruelty, and destructive tendencies turned inward, culminating in what Nietzsche labels’ bad conscience.’ This phenomenon, he argues, stems from the forced breach with humanity’s animal past, resulting in a profound illness—a sickness of man against himself.
The essay explores the transformative process from a state of wild freedom to a repressive societal structure. Nietzsche contends that the establishment of the ‘state’ was not a gradual, voluntary assimilation but a result of violent acts by a dominating, master race. This ruling class shaped the previously unrestrained population into a fixed form through coercion and violence, forming the basis of the earliest states (Nietzsche 58). Nietzsche’s exploration extends to the historical evolution of debt, guilt, and duty, connecting these concepts with the divine. He provocatively suggests that bad conscience is a sickness akin to pregnancy, emphasizing its profound impact on human psychology: “Bad conscience is a sickness, there is no point in denying it, but a sickness rather like pregnancy” (Nietzsche 60).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nietzsche’s exploration challenges readers to reconsider the complexities of human consciousness and morality. His vivid language, rich metaphors, and daring assertions invite contemplation on the transformative journey from wild freedom to societal constraints, unveiling the profound intricacies of ‘bad conscience’ and its implications on human psychology.
Work Cited
Friedrich Nietzsche. The Genealogy of Morals. Cambridge University Press, 2007.