The Genealogy of Morals · Chapter
Chapter 6: The Critique of Pity-Morality explained
Nietzsche introduces the problem of pity and the pity-morality, arguing that it is not an isolated issue but one that opens up a vast new perspective.
What happens
Nietzsche introduces the problem of pity and the pity-morality, arguing that it is not an isolated issue but one that opens up a vast new perspective. He calls for a critique of moral values themselves, questioning their origin, evolution, and worth. He speculates that the 'good man' might actually represent a symptom of retrogression, and that morality could be the greatest danger to human power and splendor.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it reaches the emotional and psychological peak of Nietzsche’s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Critique of Altruism and Pity Morality
Nietzsche directly challenges the value of pity and the pity-morality, suggesting it may be a symptom of retrogression rather than progress.
- Ressentiment and the Revaluation of Values
Nietzsche calls for a revaluation of all moral values, questioning the assumed superiority of the 'good man' over the 'evil man'.
Characters to notice
- Nietzsche
The author and speaker, who presents himself as an opponent of the modern emasculation of emotions and demands a critique of moral values.
Key passages
“We need a critique of moral values, the value of these values is for the first time to be called into question”
Nietzsche demands a fundamental examination of the worth of moral values themselves, something never before undertaken.
This is the central demand of the chapter, setting the stage for the genealogical method.
“Suppose the converse were the truth! What? Suppose there lurked in the 'good man' a symptom of retrogression”
Nietzsche provocatively suggests that what is traditionally considered 'good' might actually be harmful to human flourishing.
This inversion of conventional morality is a key theme in Nietzsche's philosophy.
