Beyond Good and Evil · Chapter
Corruption and the Aristocratic Foundation explained
Nietzsche analyzes 'corruption' as a sign of anarchic instincts, contrasting the self-sacrificing corruption of the French aristocracy with the healthy aristocratic belief that society exists as a foundation for a higher type of being.
What happens
Nietzsche analyzes 'corruption' as a sign of anarchic instincts, contrasting the self-sacrificing corruption of the French aristocracy with the healthy aristocratic belief that society exists as a foundation for a higher type of being.
Themes in this chapter
Nobility and Order of Rank
Defines the 'good and healthy aristocracy' as the meaning and highest justification of society, which must accept the sacrifice of the many for the elevation of a select few.
Life as Exploitation
Implied in the acceptance that the aristocracy's existence necessitates the suppression and instrumental use of 'a legion of individuals' as slaves and tools.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Analyzes the concept of corruption and the essential nature of a healthy aristocracy.
- The French
Referenced via the French aristocracy at the beginning of the Revolution, which exhibited a corrupt, self-sacrificing disgust for its own privileges.
Key passages
“The essential thing, however, in a good and healthy aristocracy is that it should not regard itself as a function either of the kingship or the commonwealth, but as the significance and highest justification thereof...”
A true aristocracy sees itself not as serving the state or monarchy, but as the very purpose and ultimate reason for society's existence.
Core definition of aristocratic purpose.
“...it should therefore accept with a good conscience the sacrifice of a legion of individuals, who, for its sake, must be suppressed and reduced to imperfect men, to slaves and instruments.”
It must consciously accept the necessary sacrifice of many people, who must be made into inferior men, slaves, and mere tools to serve the aristocracy's higher aims.
Describes the harsh, exploitative prerequisite of the aristocratic order.