Book Two: A Criticism of the Highest Values That Have Prevailed Hitherto
II: Criticism of Morality§271 The predominance of moral values. The consequence of this predominance: the corruption of psychology, etc; the fatality which is associated with it everywhere. What is the meaning of this predominance? What does it point to?
To a certain greater urgency of saying No or Yes definitely in this domain. All sorts of imperatives have been used in order to make moral values appear as if they were forever fixed: they have been enjoined for the longest period of time: they almost appear to be instinctive, like inner commands. They are the expression of society’s preservative measures, for they are felt to be almost beyond question. The practice, that is to say, the utility of being agreed concerning superior values, has attained in this respect to a sort of sanction. We observe that every care is taken to paralyze reflection and criticism in this department: look at Kant’s attitude! Not to speak of those who reject as immoral all “inquiry” in these matters.