Cheryl Carroll
Dr. Ford
Philosophy 1301
3 November 2014
A Comparative Analysis of
Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil with
King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail
This paper will attempt to analyse and compare "Beyond Good and Evil" by Friedrich Nietzsche with Martin Luther King, Jr's "Letter from Birmingham Jail". Nietzsche and King are from two entirely different worlds and yet share interest in the very same cause--the betterment of mankind via the ultimate truth for us all. They come from different ends of the spectrum, with Nietzsche being white, King black, and Nietzsche considering himself among those to whom privilege is justified, while King feels himself and his people are in the midst of undeniable and unacceptable oppression. Nietzsche …show more content…
In “Beyond Good and Evil”, Friedrich Nietzsche focuses his writing on tearing down beliefs he deems instilled by flawed philosophy. He develops this theme in the preface and continues throughout. He moves from subject to subject, stating his beliefs on how the ideas came about, sharing his reasons for believing the present ideas are wrong, and wholeheartedly enlightening the reader of the truth as he sees it. This entire text shows a writer completely frustrated with the current ways of thinking and angrily intent on expressing his opinions on it. It's very difficult to decipher in some areas, but quite clear in others. He is obviously prejudiced himself, which he admits to, but seems--in most instances--not to see the connection between his prejudices and his writings. He appears to admire the scientific mind, which leaves prejudice by the wayside, but doesn't attempt to follow that route for himself. His written thoughts are profusely filled with contradictory logical fallacies, from the beginning of the text to the end, not to mention the myriads of questions he begs. As far as ethics are concerned, it appears he regards the survival of the fittest as the ultimate road to nobleness. He …show more content…
focuses his writing on the rare undertaking of responding to criticisms he's received regarding his work and actions. He answers these criticisms in a logical and straightforward fashion. He is obviously frustrated, but his writing delivers beautifully concise statements that effectively neutralize the underlying anger and irritation. There is no doubt of King's ethical system. He believes all men are created equal, under one God, and all should be treated as equals. King is absolutely annoyed with the insistence that his people simply need to wait for the time to come when they will be treated fairly. He believes that most white men, the churches, the authorities, and even some black men are more concerned with keeping peace than they are with the countless atrocities taking place regularly against the black race. He believes the call for time is synonymous with a call for status quo. He supports his beliefs throughout with factual accounts. King’s writing style is amazingly eloquent, and this piece reads exactly as it was intended, leaving no room for multiple interpretations. It was written by a man speaking the truth as he knows it--a man whose practical understanding and authority on the subject are also made extremely
Dr. Ford
Philosophy 1301
3 November 2014
A Comparative Analysis of
Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil with
King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail
This paper will attempt to analyse and compare "Beyond Good and Evil" by Friedrich Nietzsche with Martin Luther King, Jr's "Letter from Birmingham Jail". Nietzsche and King are from two entirely different worlds and yet share interest in the very same cause--the betterment of mankind via the ultimate truth for us all. They come from different ends of the spectrum, with Nietzsche being white, King black, and Nietzsche considering himself among those to whom privilege is justified, while King feels himself and his people are in the midst of undeniable and unacceptable oppression. Nietzsche …show more content…
In “Beyond Good and Evil”, Friedrich Nietzsche focuses his writing on tearing down beliefs he deems instilled by flawed philosophy. He develops this theme in the preface and continues throughout. He moves from subject to subject, stating his beliefs on how the ideas came about, sharing his reasons for believing the present ideas are wrong, and wholeheartedly enlightening the reader of the truth as he sees it. This entire text shows a writer completely frustrated with the current ways of thinking and angrily intent on expressing his opinions on it. It's very difficult to decipher in some areas, but quite clear in others. He is obviously prejudiced himself, which he admits to, but seems--in most instances--not to see the connection between his prejudices and his writings. He appears to admire the scientific mind, which leaves prejudice by the wayside, but doesn't attempt to follow that route for himself. His written thoughts are profusely filled with contradictory logical fallacies, from the beginning of the text to the end, not to mention the myriads of questions he begs. As far as ethics are concerned, it appears he regards the survival of the fittest as the ultimate road to nobleness. He …show more content…
focuses his writing on the rare undertaking of responding to criticisms he's received regarding his work and actions. He answers these criticisms in a logical and straightforward fashion. He is obviously frustrated, but his writing delivers beautifully concise statements that effectively neutralize the underlying anger and irritation. There is no doubt of King's ethical system. He believes all men are created equal, under one God, and all should be treated as equals. King is absolutely annoyed with the insistence that his people simply need to wait for the time to come when they will be treated fairly. He believes that most white men, the churches, the authorities, and even some black men are more concerned with keeping peace than they are with the countless atrocities taking place regularly against the black race. He believes the call for time is synonymous with a call for status quo. He supports his beliefs throughout with factual accounts. King’s writing style is amazingly eloquent, and this piece reads exactly as it was intended, leaving no room for multiple interpretations. It was written by a man speaking the truth as he knows it--a man whose practical understanding and authority on the subject are also made extremely