Anything which is a living thing and not a dying body... will have to be an incarnate will to power, it will strive to grow, spread, seize, become predominant - not from any morality or immorality but because it is living and because life simply is will to power... 'Exploitation'... belongs to the essence of what lives, as a basic organic function; it is a consequence of the will to power, which is after all the will of life.
This quote delves into the fundamental nature of life from a Nietzschean perspective, emphasizing that all living beings are driven by an innate 'will to power.' Unlike conventional notions that view morality or ethics as guiding principles of behavior, Nietzsche suggests that the primary impetus of living entities is biological and existential striving for growth, dominance, and becoming. This drive is neither inherently good nor bad; it simply constitutes the essence of living existence. The mention of exploitation as an organic function underscores the idea that competition, resource acquisition, and dominance are natural processes embedded in life itself, not solely social constructs or moral failures. Such a perspective challenges traditional moral frameworks by reframing struggle and assertion as vital components of life’s vitality. It invites reflection on the interconnectedness of power dynamics in natural ecosystems and human societies, revealing that these processes are rooted deeply in biology and existential drives rather than societal or moral values. Acknowledging this can foster a more nuanced understanding of motivation, conflict, and growth across all levels of life. Embracing the will to power as an intrinsic aspect of life may also lead to examining personal ambitions and societal structures through a new lens—seeing contention not as immoral but as a natural expression of vitality. Recognizing this innate force can inspire individuals to confront their own drives sincerely, fostering authenticity and a real understanding of what motivates human actions beyond superficial moral judgments.
