Single Idea 4498

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / b. Living naturally]

Full Idea

One drives nature out of morality when one say "love your enemies": for then the natural "Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thy enemy" in the law (in instinct) has become meaningless.

Gist of Idea

'Love your enemy' is unnatural, for the natural law says 'love your neighbour and hate your enemy'

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (The Will to Power (notebooks) [1888], §204)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Will to Power', ed/tr. Kaufmann,W /Hollingdate,R [Vintage 1968], p.120


A Reaction

When the stoics said 'live according to nature' they meant according to reason, which presumably compromises with enemies. Profoundly Christian acts may be unnatural, but they are very moving.