Masters vs. Slaves | Nietzsche's Genealogy of Morality Explained

[@bi.johnathan]

If you want to support my work, please consider a paid subscription on my substack: johnathanbi.com PS: Many in the comments have (rightly) pointed out that Nietzsche does not advocate for a simple return to the master morality of the Greco-Roman world. I never intended to frame his positive vision as a simple return, which is why I emphasized the undesirable aspects of master morality (e.g. the masters being brutish) and the positives which slave morality has brought about (inner life, high culture, etc.). But my own grasp of his positive proposal was hazy. So after re-reading parts of the book and consulting with one of the top Nietzsche scholars Brian Leiter (whose book formed the basis of my original interpretation) here’s my updated view: Instead of describing his project as: “What Nietzsche wants to elevate instead is what he calls master morality: inegalitarian, elitist, which he associates with the pagan world, the Greco-Roman world” … I should have said: “Nietzsche wants to make the creation of moralities structurally analogous to the old master morality possible and attractive.” Here’s the key distinction: Nietzsche is clearly not saying that we should resurrect Greco-Roman values as is but he wants to give higher men the license and impulse to establish new kinds of moralities that are structurally analogous to the old master morality and not the existing dominant slave morality. Such structural features include but are not limited to substantive positions (e.g. willingness to embrace suffering, inegalitarian view of humans) and meta positions (e.g. moral anti-realism, rejection of free will). Of course, there are many possible sets of moralities that can exist within these boundaries: both Napoleon and Beethoven are willing to embrace suffering and see difference among men but for different reasons and along different dimensions. In other words, Nietzsche’s project in the genealogy is more of a clearing of the ground so higher men can create their own (non-slavish) value systems. It’s more of a tearing down of slave morality than prescription of any determinate morality, which is reflected in the critical emphasis of the lecture. A meta-point: please keep in mind that I am not a scholar of any of the books I’ve covered (with perhaps the exception of Girard). I only spend 8 weeks with one of these books, read 4-5 of the top secondary works, interview a few of the leading scholars, and hire a junior professor as a tutor to help gut check my interpretations. This is far from the work required to give “the best” interpretation. As comparison, I’ve spent years reading all of Girard’s work over and over again, published in the leading journal, and wrote a book-length manuscript on mimetic theory. In these great books lecture, I am only giving “an” interpretation that I find coherent and does not deviate too far from a dominant interpretation in the field, in this case leiter's. But also keep in mind that (especially with people like Nietzsche) there is no real “consensus” even among scholars. Go read Leiter’s book and you will find a large section of polemics against the other dominant Nietzscheans: Kaufmann, Nehemas, etc. The moral of the story is that there is ultimately no replacement for reading these books yourself (in the original language, because translation is interpretation) which is what I hope my lectures and interviews will inspire you to do.

[@johnoflaherty8486]

I think your approach is excellent and succeeds in whetting the appetite. This is the best realistic outcome given that philosophy isn’t for everyone and even those disposed towards it have limited time; moreover no one can read (or understand) everything. The interested generalist seeks an intelligent, engaging guide and the introductions you provide are ideal. Thank you very much.

[@goodgoyim9459]

For someone praising 'higher' men this seems like chinese imitation of western ideals. It looks so fake and inauthentic and ironically misses the point that western thinkers were commuincating. Even china tries to fake copy western philosophy now?

[@Anythingforfreedom]

Well done.

[@that1guyFred]

Tl;dr- this video and this comment show only the most surface level understanding of Nietzsche. Nietzsche despised academics and set many traps for them - you read him too literally and should spend some time reading the poetry in his published works. Nietzsche's philosophy is all just primer for his poetry I read every Nietzsche book over and over in between other readings, utilizing his works to transform my inner-life, befriend powerful persons at college, and start a business - so I get why an entrepreneur would be drawn to his works (aside from the fact that his name guarantees views on your content) One takeaway that has gone WAY over Leiter's and most scholars' heads is the central esoteric aspect of his work. Lampert is the go-to guy for this. Nietzsche wrote his works so academics like Leiter have no chance to understand him - in short, if you do not dream, you do not understand Nietzsche. The painter De Chirico's metamorphoses series would be a better guide too Nietzsche than most academics. Genealogy as it would be read by your average initiate (a brother if you catch my drift) is a manual on how to discover and setup a secret society. Nietzsche is basically Machiavelli, except he is writing against those who Machiavelli instructed.

[@TheLastRealWatchGuy]

Wrong assessment about Christianity, it is by believers, for believers. Niche is such an annoying Redditor about the way he puts things across. The Christian story is about the ultimate sacrifice, made to save the most cherished thing to God; You. It's not about victims.

[@Wallstreetkillermo]

dude this level of class from a young man in this generation is so refreshing.

[@funmapi]

Stop thinking in terms of generations. That is mass man thinking.

[@Wallstreetkillermo]

@@funmapi ouuu wait i like this, care to expand?

[@arizonacolour8793]

I still can't think of it's a set/skit or wtf this setup is 😂. Is he trying to pay homage to Dr. Michael Sugru?

[@funmapi]

@@arizonacolour8793 He's decided to become a superman

[@prodRegularDude]

for fools like you to eat it up. follow in line

[@Bees-are-awsome]

From “MIT Neurosurgeon Quits” to “nietzschean philosophy” man! KZbin Algorithm has been outstanding lately!

[@WorldBeater13]

True

[@elvinaguero4651]

indeed.

[@klbkatklb]

literally

[@danny91pr]

KZbin algorithm only feeds you what it "predicts" you want to watch. So kudos to yourself, I suppose.

[@anthonygeorge4916]

Literally the same for me

[@kingdm8315]

been waiting for those rare moments were yt actually recommends me high quality content

[@manuelpineda9067]

Couldn't have said it better!

[@mariusdlb3713]

This is not because it has the appearance of "high quality" that it actually is. Converting Nietzscheism to defend a hyper-capitalistic society is so basic and has nothing to do with originality of thoughts. He just applicated one reading to justify the structure of one very exploitative society, and the nietszcheist vitalism has been hugely criticized since. This is only impressive to people ignoring philosophy or non-free thinkers, let me laugh two minutes...

[@alexchow9629]

Was thinking the same thing.

[@turtleANDhare1]

​@@mariusdlb3713 if you so smart how come you answering random comments under a video you don't agree with. Why aren't you fully submerged into your job and produce recognizable work. If you so smart, how come you can't live the way you want to live...

[@zachprice355]

yeah, and it has to hit me at 1:30 am

[@igorschimidt1985]

Halfway through and I can already say this is for sure, and probably by far, the best random youtube recommended video I've gotten yet. Surprisingly fascinating. Bravo.

[@MurryMan4]

It was not random 😅

[@gagan-tb2pp]

literaly bro, I just baight all of nietzshes books to read lol

[@youngwynn333]

facts this what America needs

[@blaqnificentmediaMSb]

You are 100 💯 right ✅️ I'm watching from Ghana 🇬🇭 West Africa

[@mihneabudan6117]

All the way to Romania... let s go❤😂

[@ShalomSarahJoy]

As someone who didn’t understand fasting (only saw it as starvation or self denial), then started doing it and realized why it’s a common practice in so many different religions: It’s not just about asceticism if done “right.” When one stops filling oneself and surrenders one’s grip on control, it creates a vacuum (more space and a void) that PULLS inspiration, epiphanies, enlightenment, answers, visions, clarity, or aha! moments IN That’s why starving oneself to lose weight is different from fasting. Leads to different results even though technically the action/path is “the same.”

[@jojofreelancer1210]

For me it just proof of what I already knew. We are all being manipulated. How we feel is peace of mind. As simply proven as that first time your stomach growls when fasting. Now we know it's not hunger edit fasting changed my perception of life

[@teniente8282]

@@jojofreelancer1210 I see it the complete opposite way. I fast as a mean of control. It proves to me that I don’t have to act on my natural impulses (eating when I feel hungry). It helps remind myself that my mind is in control of my body. The opposite of letting go of control would be to act on my impulse and indulge.

[@prometheus9096]

@@teniente8282 Right the same apply for e.g. with controlled ways of indicating pain on yourself. See Shaolin Monk training or body building, both need to overcome your natural pain barrier. By instinct you avoid pain, but your mind can take control and in those above examples even change your body. Mind over Matter :D

[@matthewjohnson2704]

I think this is one of the most life altering videos I have ever seen on YT. Hope this gentleman continues to do lectures like this

[@nvmffs]

There's a misconception here. Nietzsche didn't necessarily advocate treating others as mere instruments. He endorsed: Shared Humanity, which is a form of compassion driven by a recognition of our shared human experience. This involves empathy and understanding without necessarily feeling pity. Tough Love which represents an approach that motivates the suffering individual to overcome their struggles. It might involve setting boundaries or challenges that ultimately benefit the other person's growth. Respectful Challenge: Nietzsche argued that sometimes challenging others can help them develop. This wouldn't be about using them for your own gain, but pushing them to overcome limitations and reach their full potential.

[@Novacaine_m]

Too much nuance here... This guy is about selling his corrupted philosophy and looking while doing it.

[@bettercallwall]

Mutual Self-Interest like the Mafia

[@bobby8630]

I agree with your nuanced take, is it just me, or does the speaker here come across as inauthentic? His speech does not come across as nuanced, it comes across as overly focused on presentation… and I’ve only watched the first 10 minutes, he even does this fake laugh which comes across as planned and inauthentic…

[@KingJ1397-v8q]

Lol you talking cap, Nietzsche was very clear only the powerful should rule , any one else can be stepped on if you’re better than them you’re reading your own morality into Nietzsche we’re there’s no sign of it

[@bobby8630]

@@KingJ1397-v8q your comment is the trap people fall into when reading Nietzsche, you feel you’re superior. It’s a similar mentality to Genghis Khan, perhaps even Hitler.

[@joekatsala]

The flow, the fluidity, the delivery, and the coherence. This lecture is such a work of art in itself.

[@flaq5202]

You think so? I found the speakers attempt at portraying expression to be insufferably fake, empty, and distracting. This is one rare example where I would rather have watched a power point on the subject than to sit through this guys inauthentic overacting.

[@joekatsala]

@flaq5202 We all have our preferences, and you are certainly entitled to yours. And no mode of delivery is better than the other in principle.

[@kd-zq5oq]

The difference is he actually MADE this video , you know , action , instead of spending time writing opinionated paragraphs… you should do a lecture and demonstrate what an “authentic” version should look like, please enlighten us …

[@HermesSoilder]

You've completed destroyed my ability to watch some speakers talking about philosophy cause now the bar is too high. What an absolutely outstanding presentation.

[@nojawns5909]

Anthony your dp is misleading the English with which you type is shattering stereotypes

[@newyorkalb]

Lol, no bro it’s only your intellect incapable of understanding philosophers talk and need Jonathan to speak in baby terms

[@HermesSoilder]

@@newyorkalb what a wild assumption and attempt to prop you self up by putting down another’s intellectual capabilities. Pretty stupid attempt honestly.

[@Reinhardisbetter]

@@HermesSoilderyall self help ppl ruined philosophy

[@HermesSoilder]

@@Reinhardisbetter wym yall tf did I do

[@ski8799]

Marcus Aurelius, the humble stoic master deserves close review. A man that had all of the power of the World at his fingertips and yet he lived a modest, morally righteous life.

[@MakeTheRules2]

The stoics were good at teaching emotional regulation but elevating their modesty is little more than slave morality, which Nietzsche showed is a house of cards, unworthy of emulation.

[@bryanutility9609]

Nietzsche pointed out Stoicism is great for Emperors & Slaves, the two most constrained forms of life.

[@skeleton1765]

@@MakeTheRules2Would you rather be John Snow or Little Finger?

[@castle_45]

yes, he is great but he also literally got cucked and coped with it through stoicism

[@JuiceWRLDListener]

Why the fuck does this commentsection go so hard?

[@mrcobbyism]

Your brilliant lectures on Girard opened my mind to a break taking vista of new ideas. And now a lecture on one of the seminal texts of our modern times, for free no less? A truly special gift!

[@Ccm2019]

The Japanese have a concept in Ikigai that aligns with the idea of Master and Slave Morality. It recognizes that some individuals have the duty to lead (Master Morality), while others are more suited to serve (Slave Morality). The key isn't about leaders being self-absorbed or servers being incompetent. Instead, the solution lies in combining and acknowledging their strengths. By learning to balance and complement each other's strengths and weaknesses, they can work harmoniously and effectively together.

[@svenheuseveldt7188]

How duality creates harmony: cant have day without night cant have cold without heat Cant have winners without losers cant have rich without poor cant have leaders, without followers they exists because of eachother, they are the two sides of the same coin. seperate, but secretly part of the same thing.

[@FM-to3gy]

Wow this is such a fresh perspective !🎉

[@prometheus9096]

@@svenheuseveldt7188 Man now I want to get into Daoism again :D

[@ReverseTranscriptase]

This is truly your calling. Please never stop reading and educating the general public. Your insights are needed and certain to make all of humanity better in the long run. You deserve unbridled success for your elocution and your willingness to synthesize ideas from history and philosophy.

[@bodedaddus5350]

just say ur gay dude sheesh

[@bashkathegamer9164]

@@bodedaddus5350😂😂😂😂

[@Savage-mx7xm]

@@bodedaddus5350oh chyt 😅

[@Bongintellectual]

Being honourable is not gay...​@@bodedaddus5350

[@bobby8630]

Is it just me - or does the speaker come across as overly focused on presentation? Like he seems to be focused on being persuasive and certain, which makes me feel like I’m not learning nuanced information. He also does a fake laugh at one point.

[@flowwolf4]

As an avid reader of this greatly misunderstood philosopher, I love this video and I have watched it many times. I think it's the best introduction I know to the genealogy and to Nietzsche's perspective on morality in general. Thank you for uploading Jonathan.

[@bi.johnathan]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mattayoubi9829]

Reminiscent of the late Dr Michael Sugrue. You’re a gifted orator Jonathan, amazing work.

[@Dino_Medici]

RIP the goat

[@bi.johnathan]

I loved the cadence of his lectures. Sad he passed away, RIP

[@Stashley78]

​​@@bi.johnathan My only suggestion is speak more slowly and evenly. Appreciate you posting the transcripts on your website. Keep up the good work!

[@bi.johnathan]

@@Stashley78 thanks for the feedback Rudolph!

[@Stashley78]

@@bi.johnathan You appeared on The Realignment with Marshall Kosloff which led me to your Girard lectures. Happy to see this new one. I recently read about the eerie parallels between Nietzsche and Dostoyevsky. Wild.

[@joshuaduggan3099]

This is the most intellectually challenging thing that I have come across in a long time. I admire how the lecture is willing to touch sensitive topics in pursuit of exploring the literature.

[@bucketiii7581]

look harder then

[@joshuaduggan3099]

@@bucketiii7581 look where the sun doesn’t shine troll

[@ausivan]

This is the type of content that advances our civilisation. Let's all pray the algorithms are bumping this up.

[@boiboiboi1419]

Simping nietzsche will only brings you more conflicts and chaos, it's very narcissistic ideology with mask of wise man

[@PepsiFuture]

Cringe

[@AndreoHumano]

It’s ironic that you used the word “pray”.

[@WhitePerson-]

this is the worst content a young man can watch.

[@YourmomthroatedMe]

@@WhitePerson- its the best. Along with tate brothers , brian bishop , david goggins ,

[@Supremeintrospection]

The whole crowd at the end was heartbroken, lol. You could see it in their facial expressions. I felt liberated, however, still madly respecting the man who put his madness into writing. Thank you, Nietzsche, forever making history.

[@AngeloSomers]

This was one of the most incredible KZbin videos I’ve ever seen.

[@eggstravagent3801]

Right????

[@bucketiii7581]

what a low bar

[@eggstravagent3801]

@@bucketiii7581 Alright wise guy, whats the most incredible youtube video you've seen?

[@ShallSetmefree]

@@eggstravagent3801ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 보통사람들은 감정대로 말해요

[@hxreal7682]

I wish I found this 10 years ago when I was 17, this is brilliant. Thank you

[@sovmindset]

I didn't want to like this. The intro was just way to over the top for me to appreciate at first. To unfamiliar with with Jonathans style for me to just outright accept. But I kept on coming back to this lecture and taking in bits and pieces, and now glad I didn't give up on it. Probably the most thorough and concise explanation I have heard about Nietsche's philosophy thats actually absorbable, especially to someone unfamiliar. Thanks for this.

[@bi.johnathan]

Thanks for bearing through the intro. Unfortunately to share ideas effectively on the internet one must do all kinds of unseemly deeds :)

[@evaburnz]

@@bi.johnathan one can never please everyone... at least, not in the same instant.

[@bobby8630]

I am watching this slowly as I want to understand this POV. Eckhart Tolle talks about the 2 dimensions of the Human Being, the Human, and the being. I feel like this is the Human dimension. If you have experience with deep states of meditation and or psychedelics, you begin to experience all human beings as one, and not as mere instruments. Perhaps a balance is required.

[@sanyi9667]

thank god there is KZbin and someone to explain those difficult things I've been trying but failed to understand. Although I live a poor life, I can feel like one of those masters sitting in that room, just look at them, all privileged. I can say, I feel more privileged now. Thank you!

[@_saisharma_]

Easily one of the greatest lectures I’ve ever seen

[@Mathematchit]

This is a very scary Lecture, to think that, there is a lesson out in the world where what is considered "immoral" is actual justified with undeniable logic and reason.

[@roannavochez1197]

right?! all these people praising in comments are psychopaths!

[@roannavochez1197]

U have to finish to the end, he critiques the entirety of material up to that point.

[@Mathematchit]

@@roannavochez1197 his criticism of the material as i have watched it to the end does not invalidate logic that made it true in the first place. Nietzsche was a loser but he being a loser is something that even he established on his analysis of the ancient philosopher. Point being, do you want to be a master or a slave because i am 34 and i can assure you, having a slave mentality made my life 100 000 times harder. Why should i hide what i am naturally gifted at to satisfy the people around me? Should i live a modest life if i can exceed that a 1000 fold? I don't admire modest people, they usually have a reason behind their conduct.

[@roannavochez1197]

@@Mathematchit bro switched teams 😭

[@roannavochez1197]

@@Mathematchit and the logic u consider "undeniable" is not impervious to critique. In fact, Nietzsche's genealogy rationale follows such narrow-minded cynicism that it did not go on to majorly define his legacy, but rather his revolutionary ideas on free will and religion did instead. There is no such thing as a slave mentality unless you want there to be. From my perspective it is a loving vs a hating mentality, others may call it a growth vs a fixed mindset, or more simply a winning vs a losing mentality. Nietzsche's fearfully arrogant analysis of human drive and motive are what led him to cynically divide man into the false dichotomy of slaves and masters. After all he could have used any number of analogous dualities to describe the hierarchal power dynamics of human society, yet he chose only the cruelest of lenses from which to analyze human nature. Even so, such a rigidly, binary view of any natural human phenomenon is plainly false as the infinitely multifaceted nature of reality ensures a wide range and variety of human archetypes which each boast their own strengths and complimentary weaknesses.

[@lv3116]

"Do not confuse impotence as virtue"

[@Msmkilo]

Why am I just hearing about this channel? This is everything I've wanted in a youtube channel! Awesome videos

[@Cloudsandcrystalz]

I don't know what magical KZbin fairy brought me here but omg this is the best thing I've watched in a fair while - THANK YOU KZbin FAIRIES

[@blacksnow6560]

The KZbin Fairies do exist!

[@ketoko4875]

I would see your video ad on instagram, until I told myself that I will finally give him a chance and BOY... was I not disappointed. Your public speaking skills is phenomenal and the way you present information is amazing.

[@hassanahmad3589]

Nietzsche is a mesmerizing writer. The question, however, is and always has been a metaphysical one. Morality in the absence of God is but weakness. Materialism is the foundation of the Nietzsche’s critique of Christianity and morality.

[@shivashakthi1918]

Brilliant, riveting dissection of modern thoughts and beliefs through Nietzsche

[@fredrik8806]

Awesome project! Just in time to motivate a summer of reading. Welcome to the "quit work for passion" club lol. Seeing your older videos at a pivotal moment tipped the scale subconsciously for me, to pursue different paths.

[@bi.johnathan]

Do it (sidious voice)

[@Mahoraga78]

​@@bi.johnathantry video on instinct of men . instinct faster than logic

[@99CheeseBalloons]

Phenomenal lecture! Saving this in the “explain to my sons someday” playlist

[@MarkusB24]

Brilliant! Your lecturing style really took me on a captivating adventure. I couldn't tear myself away, as the ideas discussed moved many things within me.

[@susiek2834]

Oh dreamy! Sitting in a Library listening to reason, history, philosophy and truth. Thank you.

[@SUCCESSCHASERS]

This lecture was just brilliant, thank you so much for the high quality production

[@seeking_the_sun]

This is so so good. I will be finding myself visiting this elevated place many times in the future.

[@BrianHoldsworth]

Rodion Raskolnikov thought he was a higher man. The man of virtue is the higher man and if you want to become him, turn to Aristotle, not Nietzsche.

[@jonathanmorrow9011]

@brianholdsworth is the reason I tuned in 👆

[@bi.johnathan]

I would agree with you here. Aristotle is on the way.

[@BrianHoldsworth]

@@bi.johnathan Nice. Looking forward to it.

[@alexmostella]

Absolutely

[@Rome_77]

Brian Holdsworth, a fellow Catholic appreciator of this channel

[@Jessebowyer]

Where did this lecture take place? When am I incredibly tired and thirsty, and when i get home, pop a chilled can of bubbly and aghhh I am refreshed and ready to-energized that is exactly how i feel after stumbling on your channel,wow! I subbed by the 50something minute and i pray i find more channels like yours!

[@sheikhalprotein]

Thank you, Jonathan, for the thought-provoking lecture on morality. It's a topic I'm always interested in learning more about. Having grown up in a Christian (evangelical) household, I'm finding it valuable to explore different perspectives on morality through philosophy. It's concerning to hear about the influence of some churches in developing countries that may hinder progress. I'm glad there are ongoing discussions about the role of religion in society. My own journey with philosophy has been rewarding, and I'm grateful for the chance to keep learning and growing. Better late than never!

[@Inks_Thinks]

Amazing lecture, aesthetics, and performative delivery. Thank you for your work!

[@usernamesmike]

Just bought the book. Very interesting and eye opening. Super appreciate you making this video

[@danlightened]

This is the first time I've listened to a 1 and half hour lecture on KZbin. It's marvellous how well spoken you are! I've listened to a lot of people talk about him but it's mostly in tid bits. And I've often liked what he had to say. But this reading of his entire book has been very eye opening for me. It challenges every fibre of your being. I thought I questioned everything but some of the things he questioned, I didn't even know their origins. Man alienated everyone; various religions, Philosophers, the privileged, as well as the poor and didn't even leave the monks! Maybe, that's why he lost faith in humanity in the end. And maybe, your critique of him is right. Although, I always found Ad Hominem to be a cheap shot. And there's probably no one whose ideas had been dismissed by people because of his personality or insanity more than him. Many of those people though, are people who barely understand nihilism or stoicism. But your critique is certainly much more well formed, and quite likely the case.

[@IFGODWILLSIT]

How does this guy have less than 30k subscribers?!?! This is amazing.

[@bi.johnathan]

You tell me

[@gtv77769]

@@bi.johnathan 🗿

[@Jeff-ox1jr]

Because his oratory and manerism is overdone. He doesn’t look, act and sound natural. I could be wrong ofc.

[@Killtonyfunny]

Because its fake

[@Provocative-K]

​@@Killtonyfunny how

[@Jonathan-rc2ud]

Thank you Johnathan for this fantastic lecture! I was completely captavated the entire nintey minutes. Your closing words "Ive been to convinced by Nietzsche, to be convinced by the rhetoric of the sick" are so well said!

[@yodaheabebe3756]

JBP would say, "Nietzsche misunderstood the "Meek-ness" emphasized in Christianity. Meek doesn't mean those who don't have power. It means those who do have power but decide to not use it wrongly."

[@joelkomba1286]

exposure of the foolishness of the wisdom of men to the wisdom the wisdom of God.

[@bucketiii7581]

Why on earth would anyone care what Peterson thinks about Nietszche? That's like asking Taylor Swift's opinion of Beethoven.

[@yodaheabebe3756]

@@bucketiii7581 🤔 Not sure if you're uninformed or being facetious...

[@safaaltinisik1652]

And he would maybe turn and ask himself ''Well... What do you mean by using it wrongly, define the wrong.'' Then we would go back to the Nietszche :)

[@yodaheabebe3756]

@@safaaltinisik1652 Hahaha 😆 very possible! But JBP has a way of surprising you with some seriously deep take that you weren't expecting.

[@faiqalishah1713]

This channel is my new jam from now on,I would recommend sugrue's lecture too on genealogy.And please keep uploading...

[@DylanZepeda-xu6it]

This was the greatest lecture I have ever watched. For me, peering into Philosophy, Psychology and Religion. So many ideas come through that aren’t always fully or simply understood, hardest of all to put them all in relativity to each other especially directly looking into the mind of the creator is overwhelming. This really helped me understand Fredrick better. Cheers

[@thadtuiol1717]

Dr. Michael Sugrue's lectures in the early 90s were way better than this.

[@Matt-om1yu]

Thank you for this lecture. I have recently discovered Nietzsche's work and your channel. I found your lecture to be both insightful and well presented. Subscribed!

[@ProfessorMystic]

WOW. Awesome presentation. Best philosophy professor I've ever seen.

[@thinkwithtim]

I very much enjoyed this lecture. Looking forward to exploring more.

[@adamursenbach7992]

I think this lecture gives a powerful and cogent reading of Nietzsche, but I think people who are new to his thought will miss out if this is their first, and especially only, source. I think the section on limitations, in particular, misses some important nuances. On the "Will to Power," I think it's important to note that a layman's definition of "power" may be misleading here. What "power" means to Nietzsche seems much more subtle than domination as we may perceive it. I think it's a useful exercise to ask "how could X be the Will to Power" than to say that it seems inaccurate. Zarathustra argues "Gift Giving Virtue" to be the highest virtue, where you take from the world so that you can give more abundantly afterwards. Part of the paradigm shift he presents is asking us to see approach these things as manifestations of health and abundance. I would also briefly suggest that the more revolutionary aspect is the overtaking of "being" as a primary good by "becoming," this may click well with Girard. On "The Sovereign Individual," Nietzsche strikes me as having an intense love for friendship. The Gay Science has some excellent, even heartwrenching sections on this. I think it's a much more sensible surface read to say that he holds manipulation in contempt, and is so deeply polemical because he wants to find more genuine modes of communication. His succinct repudiations of shame, of morality as necessary clothing, his intimate writing on "Star Friendship," the bleakness of "Across The Footbridge," and many other sections point to a yearning for something genuine. His sociality may be selective, but I reject the idea that he's anywhere near a pure individualist. On "Nietzsche's Life," I think this section loses nuance in giving a run-of-the-mill critique. I find it cutting and powerful, but I would point out a few things. Firstly, in Ecce Homo he describes himself as having been born with a "double origin, taken as it were from the highest and lowest rungs of the ladder of life, at once a decadent and a beginning, this, if anything, explains that neutrality, that freedom from partisanship in regard to the general problem of existence, which perhaps distinguishes [him]." A generous reading has to take him in this light. He claims to write things from the peaks of gaiety, being capable of glimpsing a more transcendent state. He writes of having two to three "faces," he writes for his "unknown friends," occasionally misdirecting them to teach them to think for themselves. He writes as a philologist, hoping to 'drive to despair every one who is “in a hurry.”' What I think a surface reading - of the man or the texts - may miss is the interpretation in which he is significantly more careful, determined, and joyful than he may appear. It remains an open question for me whether he was driven by a hidden love for his future friends, by ressentiment, or by any other combination of things, but I find it more enriching to stay open to this range of possibilities.

[@abrysunnyanthraper7118]

Amazing comment.

[@tumelonkonyane8015]

THIS LECTURE CHANGED MY LIFE

[@celerystalk1521]

The aesthetics here are hysterical

[@shamanicrevolution2204]

Thank you someone else noticed. Insane

[@safaaltinisik1652]

One of the best yt reccomendations ever. Almost too good even. I would disagree on your own comments on Nietzsche and some readings of yours of him, but I definetly did gain a point of view on him. Thank you

[@Vpopov81]

man that ending stabbed me right in the heart because I live a life like nietzche. sick, marginalized, alone. Maybe thats why I was attracted to his writings as well..... It was a life full of suffering that caused me to search for meaning and though I beleive in the divine kingdom and teachings of jesus and the buddha, I also have a strong nitzchean influence. I do think the reason that I am attracted to these writings is because niche shows us how to turn a bad hand into a win. He had an extremely difficult life and he still managed to knock it out of the park

[@bucketiii7581]

lol. a nietzschean christian. Anyone reading this who thinks this video is profound, be aware of the company you attract.

[@Vpopov81]

@@bucketiii7581 Nietzsche was against Christianity but not Christ. Christ would have been against this Christianity also

[@shawnfaison5118]

That's one of the best lectures ( if not the best lecture ) on Nietzsche I have ever heard.

[@VincentBeauchemin]

Morality made us survive as a species. Its by caring about each other that we were able to build society and raise above animals. Its not a weakness, its a production of our biology to make us survive.

[@alekisighl7599]

Biology is inherently amoral. You are confusing concepts here.

[@MoonCrab00]

society is not required to survive. It just makes it more pleasant. Nature moves on regardless of the outcome. Like roaches, some humans will always be left behind with the exception to cosmic level events.

[@jonathanbowen3640]

@@alekisighl7599 Bioligcal life can be immoral. Life is also very moral things that are like itself. Such as genetic relatives. Its not fully either

[@uncletheoneshotkid3001]

Disagree. There is no concrete definition on what morality even is. It’s a person to person thing, and who cares for who is a subjective thing as well. Most people only care for those they consider part of their group

[@CieryLZM]

I don't know how I got here, but I'm sure glad I listened to this insight. Very thought provoking and reflective. Thank you for this

[@solomonsfarm]

There are a lot of intelligent young people, but not many wise ones. Live 50 years, then tell me what your philosophy is. That is wisdom. When I was reading Nietzsche in 9th grade after school, I too thought I knew something. Then I had a life and learned.

[@mouse_thakur]

so share to us some of your wisdom and lessons

[@ezennegideonjoshmarvel]

Talk. I would love to learn your philosophy.

[@francesco9315]

Best Nietzche lecture I heard fo far. Thank you!

[@shamanicrevolution2204]

This is so good. Yet I can't shake the fact that the man went mad.

[@95sammo]

The first hour I was just like "this guy is just very eloquently preaching the religion of existentialism and Nietzsche as it's holy prophet" but then towards the end saw you in a totally different light. Huge respect brother

[@saralemus5897]

I battle with identifying as a salve or maste. This lecture gave me a new insights into why I have certain beliefs… I’m still unpacking this lecture, my brain wheels are turning 😂 I bet it has something to do with my free will.. unto the next lecture!

[@KingJ1397-v8q]

Na bro you just a sociopath

[@RyanBrosnahan]

Johnathan. This is the calm before the storm. Prepare for your life to change. This is the catalyst.

[@SzymonKot_]

This is absolute gold bro. thank you.

[@johnwisdom651]

Thank you Johnathon, for a great insightful summary of a great work!!!

[@Emeraldice]

My mind is blown, thank you

[@bigwill2482]

I surprisingly enjoyed this video! Made some interesting points that I can appreciate.

[@user-ny8vq1on6m]

A great lecture, but at times a little bit rudimentary particularly in describing the Overman as a brute, and that those that identify with it are inherently weak and fantasize about power. Many intellectuals throughout history, on either side of the political spectrum, as well as many powerful people both credit and are adherents of Nietzsche. However, you mentioned those that follow him without critique, and to some degree, I agree, but most who follow him I believe do so because they identify wholeheartedly with his perspective. I’m sure some “weaker” individuals do, but they have completely misunderstood the teachings, which in my opinion, is no fault of theirs…as aforementioned, minds both left and right find validity in Nietzsche so it goes without saying that minds both weak and strong would identify with him as well. His work is both decisively precise and in tandem, obscurely vague. I also believe that likening the overman to your high school jock (although perhaps very relatable to many) doesn’t assist in pinning down the complexity of the character. Regardless, I throughly enjoyed this. More please!

[@AbrahamMapatano]

This was incredibly interesting and very well articulated. Your dissection of the hypocrisy of the priest and how their ultimate means to power are the very virtues that rebuke power itself was super thought provoking. This made me think about the story of the Ascension of Christ and how he came down as a lowly mortal sinless and blameless to take all of our sins and still dies on the cross for us BUT ultimately rises again 3 days later to prove God’s ultimate authority over all creation. Really enjoyed this.

[@SorryDudeImBroke]

Just watch the damn video and stop trying to give a critical synopsis

[@AbrahamMapatano]

@@SorryDudeImBroke 😂

[@thewarriorphilosopher]

I’m just 30 seconds in but I already love it. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts. I’m a big Nietzsche guy.

[@jvez55]

Ambition is a double-edged sword, and Nietzsche's concept of the 'will to power' captures this perfectly. The drive for power propels individuals forward, leading to growth, influence, and achievement, but unchecked ambition can also lead to self-destruction. Nietzsche understood this dynamic: the very force that fuels our greatest accomplishments can, if left uncontrolled, place humanity at great risk. The power to shape the world for better or worse may end up in the hands of just a few individuals, which can be a dangerous situation. This notion is chilling because our greatest achievements-technological, cultural, or scientific-can also become the tools of our demise. It aligns with Nietzsche's warning that without conscious direction, ambition can easily turn destructive. Figures like Jesus, Buddha, and other spiritual leaders emphasized self-awareness and the need for fostering a sense of communal understanding. They recognized the importance of internal reflection and collective well-being as a means of preventing unchecked ambition from turning harmful. Your interpretation of Nietzsche goes beyond his immediate framework, bringing in a broader ethical perspective. Nietzsche's categorization of morality into master and slave morality was indeed a powerful observation of human behavior, but it wasn't meant to be an absolute guide to moral behavior for everyone. Instead, he highlighted the tension between different value systems-those derived from power, strength, and individualism (master morality) versus those that arise from humility, empathy, and the needs of the oppressed (slave morality). While Nietzsche saw these moralities as emerging from different human conditions, the universal principle of treating others as you would like to be treated-which is found in many religious and philosophical traditions-offers a broader ethical framework. It goes beyond Nietzsche’s descriptive categories and moves towards a prescriptive, empathetic approach that aims to unite rather than divide. It suggests that ultimately, the way forward isn't simply through the pursuit of power or the rejection of weakness, but through self-reflection, balance, and a commitment to the well-being of others.

[@nation2earth]

brilliant

[@ZentyLP]

I'm getting Michael Sugrue vibes. Kinda cool. ☺

[@prometheusboat]

They sound very similar indeed

[@nooneknows5463]

Yeah I agree ❤

[@bwizzle4194]

Sugrue is a legend

[@nooneknows5463]

@@bwizzle4194 was'(

[@AE0N777]

Exactly what I was thinking!

[@mexid2569]

Brilliant stuff! Getting more intrigued by Nietzsche's philosophy.

[@nicolem889]

I’m so glad I’m not in my 20s. I really would have thought this guy was smart. 😂

[@doclime4792]

​@shottathakid1898you ever watch those preachers who obviously spend more time preaching than reading the Bible. This is that guy for serious philosophers teaching Nietzsche. It's the Wikipedia with a side of self-help.

[@bucketiii7581]

@shottathakid1898 Because the amount of money spent on production, costume, and location is probably more than your tuition.

[@KennyBagaabaga]

@shottathakid1898je didn’t read Nietzsche or little did he understood him

[@dr.tetris7842]

Nietzsche or Johnathan Bi?

[@abhishek5887]

@@nicolem889 i’m in early 20s and haven’t even read too much nietzsche but was resisting punching my phone.

[@Vakl1n]

I can't belive this high quality content is free

[@michaeliacono4853]

I think calling people who follow Nietzsche almost always sick, ugly and marginalised is a gross misrepresentation. Teddy Roosevelt, Bruce Lee, Johnny Depp and Arnold Schwarzenegger, all fans of Nietzsche's ideas of the ubermensch and self overcoming, don't exactly strike me as sick desperate weaklings. He is probably the most lauded philosopher of the modern era and has amassed a following of people from all walks of life, strong and weak. I also think it's rather unfair that you used an incident from his period of madness to indict the man's character.

[@blueheron4498]

Nietsche would object to saying that condemning the unfortunate is "unfair".

[@mustwatchlive]

Yeah because I’m in shape etc healthy happy and I live Nietzsche. To me he’s real. Brutally honest which I respect

[@henrytep8884]

@@mustwatchliveyou saying you “I live Nietzsche” would cause Nietzsche to throw up, vomit and die due to how antithetical that statement is towards Nietzsche belief and how much of a sheep a person can be and also say they follow Nietzsche. It’s ironic how one can be so devoted to a belief and not understand the principle belief or execute the belief. Why did you fail to understand what Nietzsche was trying to teach you? Why do you think you’ve been inspired by him yet act like a sheep?

[@mustwatchlive]

@@henrytep8884 first of all I don’t act like a sheep. Nietzsche just exposed people. In my opinion you can’t follow him. Because you will get into a lot of conflict also. I have the same personality type as Nietzsche that’s y I did research on him. What ever crazy projecting ass response you give after this. I won’t reply. You don’t know me and if you did you will know I’m far from a sheep. I’ll be damn if I argue with a potential AI bot on KZbin.

[@Post-Yap_Clarity]

I’m a fan of Nietzsche. I’m a degenerate.

[@i6tir]

I don't know why I should care who the heck Nietzsche is, but suddenly I do; this is the best lecture I've ever heard.

[@abhishek5887]

Hate to say it but “dunning kruger is in effect majorly here

[@KennyBagaabaga]

Thank you these new wave Nietzscheans are getting on my nerves

[@NiTeLightYears]

I do sense. Whats your perspective?

[@sambarryofficial]

This is an amazing analyses. I didn't know anything about Nietzsche prior to watching this. I've learnt so much. Thanks!

[@GOD.WINS.777]

No we should not worship ourselves. We should live in a world where we care about eachother and spread peace to one another.

[@TheVineOfChristLives]

Amen. To blanket that all Christians see the world in victim morality is a falsehood. I am free in Christ and am commanded to speak up against evil. If I am in Christ, am I not in the master and therefore a master as well? For what we build in His kingdom is eternal. What these little wanna be gods build is where moth and rust will destroy.

[@ChefBardo]

if you dont take care of yourself first you will not have the ability to help anyone else. period-

[@GOD.WINS.777]

@@ChefBardo Yes that is correct. But the guy in the vid is not saying that. He is preaching that we should step on other people on our way to our goals

[@HistoryJoy]

@@GOD.WINS.777 hes not talking about himself bro lol you missed the whole point of the video.

[@GOD.WINS.777]

@@HistoryJoy It is. It’s a subtle deliberate and cunning manipulation which has fooled many on this video to not realise these beliefs are pure evil

[@Counter930]

Brilliant ending. I always felt a strong connection to his ideas not because I agree with them, but because I am a loser on so many of the same fronts as him. In the end, I think he considered himself a genius because he was aware that his philosophy was driven by these shortcomings and he was not afraid to face them, accept them and write them between the lines, hoping somebody will understand him. That was his “salvation”😂.

[@kaioxys]

Never have I clicked so fast

[@mapalochansa9965]

Where was this lecture?

[@NilanMihindukulasooriya]

One of the best lectures I've ever listened to. Keep them coming ❤

[@sinjinsmythe1571]

Always remember..... Nietzche couldnt even liberate himself!!!

[@overman2306]

He wrote a lasting philosophy that is still popular today. That alone gets him higher man status.

[@Aimarathon]

This guy is sharp. Respect bro

[@eggstravagent3801]

What the hell. I’ve never watched anything on YT that was almost 2 hours! Such a man with eloquence, and competence that he captivated a naive individual such as myself, I don’t know anything about an “essetic” (heck I might’ve spelt that wrong) or an “eagaliterian” but I have been enameled by your speech sir, you have my utmost support and respect. Kudos❤

[@roannavochez1197]

bru

[@desmondnana-bentum9589]

Your suit is soo good. That's what sold me on this video.

[@VedanshSrivastava-zi2es]

00:02 Startups succeed due to dictatorship structure. 02:12 Motivations for building the company were pride, greed, glory, and lust, rather than making the world a better place. 06:55 Nietzsche advocates for Master morality over slave morality. 09:19 Christian greatness questioned by Nietzsche 14:16 Advocating for inegalitarianism to achieve great projects 16:33 Nietzsche values producing inspiring individuals over the happiness of the majority. 20:54 Nietzsche aims to expose the origins of slave morality and how it hinders the production of higher men. 22:58 The history of the West is a battle between Rome and Judea, with Christian morality influencing it. 27:17 The concept of good and evil is derived from the perspective of Masters and Slaves. 29:21 Masters embody joyful brute, naive self-assurance 33:32 Christianity emphasizes virtues of victims 35:41 Nietzsche critiques Christianity for its hypocrisy and false portrayal of love. 39:33 Nietzsche criticizes slave morality for promoting life-denying values and false ideas of freedom. 41:36 Nietzsche explores the concept of moral blame and praise 45:42 Free Will invented to blame others 47:51 Slave morality inverts value system, introduces Free Will. 51:47 Priests promote the aesthetic ideal as a form of slave morality. 53:42 Denying oneself secures political legitimacy. 57:39 Philosophers choose conditions for their great work, not for virtue 59:21 Philosophers' virtues are influenced by their predispositions and circumstances. 1:03:35 Aesthetic ideal implies denying life for denying life's sake. 1:05:39 Interpreting life as suffering depends on individual nature 1:09:50 Aesthetics choosing to actively chop off their penises reflects the Will To Power. 1:11:55 The appeal of aesthetic ideal to humans based on cruelty and suffering. 1:16:08 Original sin as a motivating force for self-cruelty and aesthetic ideal 1:18:08 Suffering is attributed to self-guilt and denial in Nietzsche's ideology. 1:22:28 Nietzsche argues that religion is more likely a psychological phenomenon than a divine truth. 1:24:26 Critique of Nietzsche's biases in explanations 1:28:26 Nietzsche's ideal of individualism is naive and impossible. 1:30:30 Nietzsche's chronic sickness and rejection influencing his philosophy 1:34:37 Nietzsche had a positive value-creating side

[@nation2earth]

thanks

[@OmL1t4g4]

Not only awesome content, but delivery style was top class.

[@anonymous62810]

Beautiful lecture!

[@StudioReplica_Arch]

The way you present is faithful and very inspiring, the subject and the content makes my comment look illiterate

[@leroykid1971]

“I’ve been too convinced by Nietzsche. To be convinced by the rhetoric of the sick.” One convinced Apollo one convinced Dionysus.

[@bi.johnathan]

Close … I meant that I was so convinced by his ad hominem point that I couldn’t help but not be convinced by other parts of his arguments due to who he was

[@leroykid1971]

​@@bi.johnathan I understand you. Understand I meant, your use of the word “convinced” in two opposite ways within a single phrase could sound like a minor "birth of tragedy out of the spirit of rhetoric", highlighting the struggle, and eventual reconciliation, of opposing forces within one. Your first sentence can be read as an emotional Dionysian affirmation. Notice how you use the word "too", like you're overwhelmed with emotional convincement. Then in your second sentence you provide reasons for not be convinced, much more Apollonian and rational.

[@subashtamang2771]

@@bi.johnathan I think that was brilliant. You learned from Nietzsche to the point that you used his idea against himself, which summarizes your quote that your critique is Nietzschean. Outstanding Lecture!!

[@joaolourencomvf]

What an amazing video! You managed to present complex ideas in a clear and easy to understand manner, I also loved the classroom format You just gained yourself a new subscriber and I will certainly spend the next few days going through your other videos, keep up the good work!

[@alan5496]

Nietzsche: Become a master by taking me as your master and becoming my slave

[@JonathanKaxig]

He actually extensively wrote about that too, explicitly warning against doing that 😅

[@vero_cow8256]

Finally I love Nietzsche cant wait to watch this

[@sidhantsharma9961]

My opinion is that you’re misquoting Buddhism. The never said that “all life is suffering”, but he used the word Dukkha, which means unsatisfactory. And the reason he gives for that is the impermanence of everything. Yes you can conqust, have orgies become a billionaire, but they are all temporary and will eventually end up being unsatisfactory due to their perishable nature.

[@yusufalef92]

Sadhu sadhu sadhu 🙏

[@Provocative-K]

Buddha did said life is suffering

[@rogurishimaru]

I'm glad I discovered this channel. The energy put in each video is quite enthralling. I really enjoyed this lecture, the analysis and the critical part as well. Just one thing rubbed me the wrong way. Nietzsche wrote something like eighteen books. A loser would have given up sooner.

[@badmen1550]

Nietzsche never married, and actually went insane. He never recovered from his insanity and died at a young age with no money or recognition for his work. So much for the ‘higher men’ he spoke of. What’s also funny is that Nietzsche and his ideas have still failed to produce men of the likes of Beethoven or Napoleon, who were both “resentful Christians” oddly enough. Nietzsche is dead (and God has killed him)

[@KingJ1397-v8q]

Lol I love this

[@JR-om9oo]

"There is a false saying: “How can someone who can’t save himself save others?” Supposing I have the key to your chains, why should your lock and my lock be the same?" - Nietzsche

[@brandonbloch3144]

Nietzsche actually addresses this in his Genealogy of Morals, though it might just be a coping mechanism for his lack of romantic exploits lol - “Similarly, the philosopher shudders mortally at marriage, together with all that could persuade him to it-marriage as a fatal hindrance on the way to the optimum. Up to the present what great philosophers have been married? Heraclitus, Plato, Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Kant, Schopenhauer-they were not married, and, further, one cannot imagine them as married. A married philosopher belongs to comedy that is my rule; as for that exception of a Socrates-the malicious Socrates married himself, it seems, ironice, just to prove this very rule. Every philosopher would say, as Buddha said, when the birth of a son was announced to him: "Râhoula has been born to me, a fetter has been forged for me"”…

[@Biggtwin]

Amen! I thought I would never make it through the “AMAZING LECTURE, PROFOUNDLY THOUGHT PROVOKING VIEW ON MORALITY” comments😂😂😂 I didn’t realize how many “higher men” are just scrolling through KZbin.

[@EvoAI]

​@@BiggtwinHe created Hitler