Jonathan Bi on the power of beauty, privilege, and master morality

Jonathan Bi lectured in summarizing the key ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche’s On The Genealogy of Morality.

Through this continuous learning on these ideals, this is where I discovered Jonathan Bi, a prominent thinker and commentator on Nietzschean philosophy, explores a concept critical to the “aristocratic soul”: master morality. This notion, he argues, defines a life rooted in self-made virtue and unapologetic privilege, with beauty as its guiding principle.

If you stay with me at this point, I would like to delve into how Bi’s interpretations can deepen our understanding of refined living and why the true gent is both the creator and custodian of his own moral code.

The Tradition of the Greco-Roman Ideal

Details from the breastplate iconography of Emperor Augustus Caesar Prima Porta & possible interpretations-marble 1st century AD.

@Vatican_Patrons

Central to understanding Bi’s approach to master morality is the Greco-Roman concept of kalokagathia, which merges physical beauty (kalos) and moral goodness (agathos). In Greco-Roman philosophy, the individual’s pursuit of physical and moral refinement was not superficial but essential. To be noble was to cultivate body and mind in harmony, achieving excellence that reflected both inner and outer beauty. These ideals formed the bedrock of master morality: they promoted strength, elegance, and wisdom as a unified identity.

The aristocratic gentleman, in Bi’s view, honors this Greco-Roman heritage by striving to embody beauty and strength—qualities revered by ancient Greek and Roman societies. His life becomes a testament to these classical virtues, valuing both physical discipline and intellectual rigor, which align with Nietzsche’s master morality. He pursues an excellence that is not only personal but enduring, a legacy that is cultivated to withstand the tests of time.

The Essence of Master Morality

Rooted in Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy, master morality is a system of values governed by strength, independence, and the pursuit of personal excellence. Unlike “slave morality,” which glorifies humility and passivity, master morality is about asserting one’s values based on masculinity, beauty, and nobility. Jonathan Bi’s take on this can be seen as a roadmap for the modern man, one who doesn’t shy away from his privileges but wields them gracefully.

To adopt master morality in today’s society is to live not by conformist values but by standards one cultivates within. As Nietzsche framed it, “The noble soul has reverence for itself.” A man abiding by this ethos shapes his life through action and ambition, guided not by trends but by timeless ideals inherited from Greco-Roman tradition.

Beauty as the Guiding Aesthetic

Aportrait of one of the stars of the Louvre, the Nike of Samothrace, a marble master-piece dating back to the 2nd century BC.

Musée du Louvre.

According to Bi, beauty is an inherent quality of master morality—a standard by which one’s values, environment, and lifestyle are measured. This is not about surface-level attractiveness but a cultivated sense of aesthetic refinement. Whether through art, fashion, or personal demeanor, beauty reflects an individual’s commitment to higher standards. The modern man, then, is tasked with making his life a canvas of tasteful choices, approaching every decision with elegance, recognizing that beauty is as much about appearance as it is about behavior and intention.

In the tradition of Greco-Roman ideals, beauty and virtue are inseparable. The gentleman’s outward elegance is merely an extension of his inner character, requiring him to be deliberate in both appearance and action. In a world increasingly accustomed to convenience and shortcuts, an aristocratic gentleman respects the rigors of quality, seeing value in handmade over mass-produced, in originality over imitation. His relationships, too, echo this aesthetic—he curates a network of allies and companions who share his values of distinction.

Privilege and Responsibility: A Dual Commitment

Greek Guardians at Mount Olympus, Greece.

Immortals. IMDB.

Bi’s interpretation of Nietzschean privilege is unapologetic yet carries responsibility. To embrace privilege is to acknowledge one’s elevated standing, whether through wealth, knowledge, or social influence. Yet, the master morality requires more than recognition—it calls for active use of privilege to cultivate excellence, both in oneself and in one’s environment. True aristocrats, therefore, do not merely enjoy privilege; they become custodians of their legacies, setting examples that others aspire to follow.

In Greco-Roman tradition, privilege was bound to noblesse oblige—the moral responsibility that accompanies elevated status. An aristocrat's duty lies in upholding standards that benefit society as a whole. These men are bastions of tradition and harbingers of progress, reminding others of the timeless values underpinning any sophisticated civilization.

Living as a Gentleman in a Democratic World

In a society where egalitarianism is celebrated, how does one uphold aristocratic ideals without alienating oneself? Jonathan Bi emphasizes that aristocratic values don’t necessitate isolation but rather a life of inner distinction. The modern gentleman embraces his privilege without needing validation. He moves confidently in all circles, maintaining a moral compass aligned not by popular opinion but by his carefully cultivated values.

He embodies “effortless superiority”—not in boastful displays, but in quiet confidence. Every choice, from the watch he wears to the words he speaks, echoes a commitment to honor and refinement. His Greco-Roman-inspired perspective is that life is not a series of random happenings but a masterpiece in the making, each day an opportunity to refine, to build, to elevate.

A Gentlemanly Challenge

Jonathan Bi’s philosophy is both a challenge and an invitation. To live as a man in the spirit of master morality is to pursue self-mastery, to embrace privilege with grace, and to craft a legacy that is both beautiful and enduring. In a world hungry for authenticity, the gentleman who lives by these values stands out. He is unyielding in his pursuit of beauty, in his integrity, and in his quest to become the best version of himself.

Concluding Thoughts

In my own life, I've been fortunate to have traveled to some of the great centers of this classical legacy – Constantinople (now called Istanbul), Rome, and Athens. Standing before the grand architectural wonders of the Hagia Sophia, the Pantheon, and the Parthenon, I couldn't help but feel a deep reverence for the ethos of master morality that permeated these timeless monuments. The effortless harmonization of beauty and function, the uncompromising dedication to excellence - these qualities seem to emanate from the very stones, serving as a testament to the enduring power of Greco-Roman ideals.

As I've reflected on Bi's interpretation of Nietzsche's philosophy, I find myself inspired to embody these same virtues in my own life. The path of refined living is not an easy one, but it is a worthy challenge, one that calls us to cultivate an inner distinction, to take responsibility for our privilege, and to leave a mark on the world through the force of our character and the grace of our actions. In doing so, we honor the legacy of human excellence who came before, and we contribute to the ongoing refinement of human civilization.