exercise? We are vehement in our desires; there are times when we even feel as if we could devour each other.... But the "communal spirit" is master of us: have you observed that this is almost a definition of morality? 282. _The weakness of the gregarious animal_ gives rise to a morality which is precisely similar to that resulting from the weakness of the decadent man: they understand each other; they _associate_ with each other (the great decadent religions always rely upon the support of the herd). The gregarious animal, as such, is free from all morbid characteristics, it is in itself an invaluable creature; but it is incapable of taking any initiative; it must have a "leader"--the priests understand this.... The state is not subtle, not secret enough; the art of "directing consciences" slips its grasp. How is the gregarious animal infected with illness by the priest? 283. _The hatred directed against the privileged in body and spirit_: the revolt of the ugly and bungled souls against the beautiful, the proud, and the cheerful. The weapons used: contempt of beauty, of pride, of happiness: "There is no such thing as merit," "The danger is enormous: it is right that one _should_ tremble and feel ill at ease," "Naturalness is evil; it is right to oppose all that is natural--even 'reason'" (all that is antinatural is elevated to the highest place). It is again the _priests_ who exploit this condition, and who win the "people" over to themselves. "The sinner" over whom there is more joy in heaven than over "the just person." This is the struggle against "paganism" (the pang of conscience, a measure for disturbing the harmony of the soul). _The hatred of the mediocre_ for the _exceptions,_ and of the herd for its independent members. (Custom actually regarded as "morality.") The revulsion of feeling _against_ "egotism": that only is worth anything which is done "for another." "We are all equal";--against the love of dominion, against "dominion" in general;--against privilege;--against sectarians, free-spirits, and sceptics;--against philosophy (a force opposing mechanical and automatic instincts); in philosophers themselves--"the categorical imperative," the essential nature of morality, "general and universal." 284. The qualities and tendencies which are _praised_: peacefulness, equity, moderation, modesty, reverence, respectfulness, bravery, chastity, honesty, fidelity, credulity, rectitude, confidence, resignation, pity, helpfulness, conscientiousness, simplicity, mildness, justice, generosity, leniency, obedience, disinterestedness, freedom from envy, good nature, industry. We must ascertain to what extent _such qualities_ are conditioned as means to the attainment of certain desires and _ends_ (often an "_evil_" end); or as results of dominating passions (for instance, _intellectuality_): or as the expressions of certain states of need--that is to say, as _preservative measures_ (as in the case of citizens, slaves, women, etc.).