Nietzsche's Explanation Of Nihilism

Nihilism means that life is meaningless and that there is a rejection of all religious and moral principles. Nietzsche uses this concept when he explains his beliefs of the rejection universal standards of justice and virtue. For the explanation of this concept of nihilism uses a master and slave situation. This situation can be used to explain the nature of the master and the slave, the role that resentment plays, and the importance of strength.
Nietzsche says that nihilism means that the highest values devalue themselves. Values here are referred to the things that a society holds individuals accountable for their actions. The law is based off of values displaced by the society. The laws established by society to keep order no longer have …show more content…
This is the root of all of the characteristics that embody the slave mentality that Nietzsche discusses. Slaves have a group mentality that keeps them connected to the masses that is hard to step away from and become one’s self which is what Nietzsche says is the main problem that is connected with the slaves. When you are connected with the masses it leads to having the strength in numbers and each individual action is no longer existent everything is one. The masses are not worried about worldly things; they are focused on the afterlife that they believe in. This is how they justify the actions of the masters. To them the masters will be punished in the afterlife and the slaves will have a sense of peace and revenge set for them. But while they are on Earth they will act justly, be humble and meek towards one another all leading to the sense of altruism that they have when it comes to others. The slave mentality forces one to be reactive in a situation and not take action till consulted by others. This is why when a slave would come into a position of government it would a democratic mindset. In democracy, everyone has equal moral worth and should have a say in what happens in society. To the slaves not one person should be placed with all of the power. They are practical people when it comes to society and how issues should be dealt within it. Things that occur in society should be …show more content…
Strength is important because you are able to step away from the masses and become an individual again and make conscious decisions by yourself without having to consult a group of people to make sure they agree with your thoughts and ideas. To Nietzsche, being controlled by others is a sign of weakness. Strength is important in a world that is filled with nihilism. Since there is nothing in the world to live one’s life for one must create the meaning in life. This meaning is found in the individual and how they overpower others, Nietzsche says. The concepts are based on the biological morality that the ones with the strength and power should be placed as good and those who are weak are bad. But the strength comes from forcing others to do things because they feel threatened by the masters and are concerned about what would happen if they did not complete the actions that are asked of