Explores issues at the very core of human nature in three powerful essays. Here Nietzsche dissects the basic concepts of 'good', 'bad' and 'evil', going on to examine humankind's transformation from barbarous creatures into civilized beings who can feel remorse, regret, pity and compassion but, in the process, destroying instinct and freedom. Nietzsche asks why the virtues of poverty, humility and chastity have become so central to religion, even when they deny vitality and life itself. Daring to expose uncomfortable truths, this brilliant and provocative polemic provides startling insights into our complex psychology. Modern Western Philosophy, C 1600 To The Present. Ethics & Moral Philosophy.

Originally published in German as Zur Genealogie der Moral: Eine Streitschrift, 1887. Translated from the German.

First Essay : `Good and Evil', `Good and Bad' -- Second Essay : `Guilt', `Bad Conscience' and Related Matters -- Third Essay : What Do Ascetic Ideals Mean?.