On the Genealogy of Morality

Historical Context and Significance

Published in 1887, Friedrich Nietzsche's «On the Genealogy of Morality» is one of the philosopher's key works, in which he explores the origins and development of moral values. Nietzsche critiques traditional morality, particularly Christian morality, asserting that it is based on the ressentiment of the weak against the strong. He introduces the concepts of 'master' and 'slave' morality, where the former is linked to aristocratic values of strength and power, and the latter to values of humility and compassion. This work has significantly influenced the development of philosophy, especially existentialism and postmodernism, and continues to provoke discussions about the nature of morality and ethics. Nietzsche challenges the reader to rethink traditional moral values and their origins, making the book relevant even in contemporary contexts.