Abstract

In this paper, the author draws several fundamental distinctions between two central notions in Nietzsche’s anthropology, namely those of Kraft and Macht. The distinctions and interpretations following them are based on a close reading of Nietzsche’s published writings. Following that, the author introduces a psychological typology between what is being called “positive” and “negative” power patterns. As a consequence, author argues, it is becoming clear that allegedly Nietzschean idea of a military and physical Macht as employed by Nazis is in fact properly to be understood as the Nietzschean Kraft and Gewalt. He also stresses that, according to Nietzsche, violent manifestations of Macht are usually confined to the behaviour of persons who suffered from the psychological phenomenon of “negative” power. Author argues also that Nietzschean notions of power are not based on a crude naturalism nor on the biological distinctions which were a cornerstone of Nazi racism. Key words NIETZSCHE