“What is good? All that heightens the feeling of power, the will to power, power itself in man.”
- October 15, 1844 – August 25, 1900
- Born in Germany
- Philosopher, poet, and classical philologist
- With works such as “Thus Spoke Zarathustra,” “Beyond Good and Evil,” and “The Genealogy of Morals,” he questioned traditional morality, religion, and truth, and had a major impact on modern philosophy.
Quote
“What is good? All that heightens the feeling of power, the will to power, power itself in man.”
Explanation
In this quote, Friedrich Nietzsche provides his definition of what is “good”: anything that enhances or amplifies the feeling of power and the will to power within a person. Nietzsche’s philosophy is centered on the idea of the will to power—the fundamental drive in all human beings to assert themselves, grow, and expand their influence and control over their environment. For Nietzsche, goodness is not about adhering to a set of moral rules or conformity to society’s standards, but rather about actions, choices, or values that help an individual realize and express their inner strength and authenticity. Anything that encourages the development of one’s personal power, self-affirmation, and self-overcoming is seen as good. In contrast, that which weakens, diminishes, or suppresses the will to power—such as self-denial, passivity, or conformity—is viewed as bad.
Historically, Nietzsche critiqued traditional moral systems, particularly Christian morality, which he believed promoted values like humility, self-sacrifice, and submission. These values, according to Nietzsche, were life-denying and hindered the individual’s growth and creativity. Nietzsche argued that morality should be redefined around the idea of life-affirmation, where power, creativity, and individuality are prioritized. For Nietzsche, true goodness lies in the individual’s ability to assert their will and to grow beyond the constraints imposed by traditional societal or religious norms.
In modern contexts, this quote encourages us to rethink our ideas of goodness and virtue. Rather than accepting conventional notions of what is moral or right, Nietzsche’s words suggest that we should focus on what empowers and liberates us as individuals. The good is what helps us to realize our potential, assert our autonomy, and push beyond our limitations—whether in our careers, relationships, or personal development. This idea encourages a more empowered and self-affirming approach to life, where the goal is not to conform or to deny our instincts, but to actively cultivate and express our unique strengths and potential.
