Punishment stems from deepseated guilt from "summary" of The Genealogy of Morals by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche,Horace Barnett Samuel
The idea that punishment is a result of deep-seated guilt is a complex one that requires a deep understanding of human psychology and societal norms. Nietzsche and Samuel explore this concept in their work, delving into the reasons why individuals feel the need to punish themselves and others for perceived wrongdoings. According to Nietzsche and Samuel, guilt is a fundamental aspect of human nature, stemming from a sense of responsibility for one's actions. This guilt can manifest itself in various ways, such as feelings of shame, remorse, or self-blame. When individuals experience guilt, they may seek to alleviate these feelings through punishment, either by punishing themselves or by seeking punishment from others. The authors argue that punishment serves as a way for individuals to atone for their perceived sins and to restore a sense of moral balance. By punishing themselves or others, individuals believe that they are upholding societal norms and standards of behavior, thus reasserting their moral integrity. However, Nietzsche and Samuel also suggest that punishment can be a way for individuals to externalize their guilt and project it onto others. In this sense, punishment serves as a way for individuals to distance themselves from their own feelings of guilt and shame, shifting the focus onto the wrongdoing of others.- The concept that punishment stems from deep-seated guilt is a complex and multifaceted one that highlights the intricate relationship between individual psychology and societal norms. By exploring the motivations behind punishment, Nietzsche and Samuel shed light on the ways in which guilt influences human behavior and morality.
