# Chapter 32 explained — Beyond Good and Evil

> Chapter companion for Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche.

## What happens

Nietzsche traces the historical development of moral valuation, from a prehistoric period where actions were judged by their consequences, to a moral period where intention became the sole criterion of value. He argues this 'intention-morality' is a prejudice that must be overcome, heralding a new 'ultra-moral' period where the unintentional, deeper meaning of an action is paramount.

## Themes in this chapter

### Origin of Moral Valuation

The chapter's core subject is the historical evolution of how value is assigned to actions, moving from consequences to intentions, and pointing toward a future 'ultra-moral' criterion.

### Critique of Modernity

The modern 'moral' period, fixated on intention, is diagnosed as a superstitious prejudice that must be surmounted, representing a key critique of contemporary values.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Acts as the historical analyst and prophet, diagnosing the shifts in moral perspective and announcing the coming task for 'immoralists' and refined consciences.

### Europeans

Implied as the audience and subjects of the modern 'suspicion' and 'new self-consciousness' that challenges intention-morality.

## Key lines

> the value or non-value of an action was inferred from its consequences

In the earliest, pre-moral period, actions were judged solely by their outcomes, not their nature or motive.

_Establishes the first historical stage of valuation._

> one no longer lets the consequences of an action, but its origin, decide with regard to its worth

The moral period shifted focus to the origin of an action, specifically the intention behind it, as the measure of value.

_Defines the second, intention-focused stage, seen as an 'inversion of perspective.'_

> the suspicion arises that the decisive value of an action lies precisely in that which is not intentional

A new, emerging view suspects that an action's true worth is found in its unintentional, subconscious, or hidden aspects, not its stated purpose.

_Introduces the coming 'ultra-moral' critique of intention-morality._

> The surmounting of morality... the long-secret labour which has been reserved for the most refined, the most upright, and also the most wicked consciences of today

Overcoming traditional morality is the essential, hidden task for the most acute modern minds, who must serve as 'touchstones of the soul.'

_Posits the active, future-oriented project for the 'immoralists' or new philosophers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters/32
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters