>>22164259That's why I said that you have to read and understand the book (it's really good and insightful). Because I am bad at explaining Nietzsche's life works in 300-word posts.
From the perspective of master morality, the ultimate virtue lies in the expression of strength, self-assertion, and the will to power. The goal is not to adhere to abstract notions of "truth" or "honesty" but to live authentically in accordance with one's nature and purpose.
In the scenario you describe:
1. Lying and Securing Resources for One’s Kind
Virtue in this action:
Lying strategically to secure resources for one’s kind demonstrates foresight, strength, and the ability to act decisively. This aligns with the master morality's emphasis on self-overcoming and shaping the world according to one’s will.
By ensuring the survival and dominance of one's kind, the master affirms their creative power and their responsibility to protect and cultivate their values and legacy.
The act of lying is not inherently "dishonest" in the Nietzschean sense; it is a tool wielded by the strong to assert their will.
Key virtue: Pragmatic strength, ensuring the realization of one's goals without being constrained by external moral standards imposed by the weak.
2. Being Honest While Outnumbered by Slaves
Virtue in this action:
Honesty might be seen as noble if it stems from an unshakeable sense of self-worth and an unwillingness to compromise one's ideals, even at great cost. This reflects a kind of tragic heroism, where one stands firm in the face of overwhelming odds.
However, if honesty leads to failure and the inability to execute one’s will, it risks becoming a concession to the values of the slave majority. This outcome reflects weakness rather than strength, as it allows the slaves to dictate the terms of the interaction.
Key flaw: Allowing honesty to result in failure undermines the master’s primary virtue—the ability to impose one’s will and create one’s reality.
