If nothing inherently matters (nihilism), then you are free to choose what matters to you, creating your own subjective meaning through personal values, relationships, kindness, knowledge, or simple experiences, as cosmic meaninglessness paradoxically allows for personal significance and freedom to act in the present moment. What matters becomes the subjective experience and choices you make, turning a potential crisis into an opportunity for self-definition, making small acts of kindness or personal growth incredibly important within your chosen reality.
Nihilism has several types, but four common ones are Existential Nihilism (life has no inherent meaning or purpose), Moral Nihilism (no objective right or wrong), Epistemological Nihilism (knowledge is impossible or baseless), and Metaphysical Nihilism (reality itself might not exist or have inherent structure). Other forms include Political (rejects institutions) and Mereological (no composite objects).
Angel: Well, I guess I kinda worked it out. If there's no great glorious end to all this, if nothing we do matters... , then all that matters is what we do. 'Cause that's all there is. What we do.
Existential nihilism asserts that life is inherently meaningless and lacks a higher purpose. By suggesting that all individual and societal achievements are ultimately pointless, it can lead to indifference, lack of motivation, and existential crises.
Famous thinkers associated with nihilism include philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche, who explored its cultural impact, and Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev, who popularized the term; while historical figures like Buddha and King Solomon are sometimes linked, and contemporary figures like Jean Baudrillard, Emil Cioran, and literary characters (Rorschach, Tyler Durden) embody nihilistic themes, it's complex as many famous figures (like Nietzsche) critiqued it rather than fully endorsed it as a life philosophy.
Yes, a nihilist can believe in God, but it creates a complex tension: they might accept God's existence as a reality while still believing that God or religion offers no inherent meaning, purpose, or objective value to life, viewing divine commands or afterlife promises as ultimately futile or baseless. This differs from typical religious faith, which usually finds ultimate meaning in God, whereas a nihilist might see even God's existence as lacking ultimate significance.
Moral nihilism is the idea that there are no objective moral truths in the world, and morality is a man-made concept. There is no objective basis for what is moral or immoral. For example, killing isn't good nor is it bad, it just is.
Nietzsche's philosophy and writings focused on individual achievement and subjective reality. 1. Perspectivism: Nietzsche rejected the idea of absolute truth, instead focusing on how individuals can create meaning in their lives to overcome nihilism, a belief that life is meaningless.
/ˌsɑlɪpˈsɪstɪk/ Someone who's solipsistic is so focused on their own wants and needs that they don't think about other people at all. You could also call a solipsistic person selfish or self-centered.
Nihilists are terrified of life, death, loneliness and everything else, but admit nothing. Existentialists are afraid of life, death, loneliness and everything else, but at least they admit it. Absurdists laugh at their fears of life, death and everything else.
The "most powerful quote" is subjective, but highly impactful ones focus on personal agency, growth, and perspective, like Mahatma Gandhi's "You must be the change you wish to see in the world," Maya Angelou's "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better," and Marianne Williamson's "Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure". Other powerful themes include overcoming fear (Nelson Mandela), embracing authenticity (Oscar Wilde), and the power of action (Abraham Maslow, Carrie Fisher).
Margaret Mead's most famous quote, inspiring action and social change, is: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, organized citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has". This powerful statement emphasizes the impact of dedicated individuals in initiating significant societal shifts, appearing on countless posters, in books, and inspiring movements globally.
Pope Francis on Compassion:
"The Lord never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking for forgiveness." "A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just."
While few philosophers would claim to be nihilists, nihilism is most often associated with Friedrich Nietzsche who argued that its corrosive effects would eventually destroy all moral, religious, and metaphysical convictions and precipitate the greatest crisis in human history.
In terms of the afterlife, nihilism takes a particularly stark view: there is no continuation of consciousness after death. Death is seen as the absolute end of our existence, and any hope of an afterlife is dismissed as wishful thinking.
It is important to note that not all members of Gen Z are nihilists. There is a great deal of diversity within the generation, just as there is within any other demographic group. However, the rise of nihilism among Gen Z is a significant trend that is worth exploring.
Some philosophical tenets of Buddhism assert that external reality is an illusion, and can be understood as metaphysical solipsism, but most tenets of Buddhist philosophy, generally hold that the mind and external phenomena are both transient, and that they arise from each other.
Personality disorders involve pervasive patterns of unusual behaviors, thoughts, and emotions, making it hard to function, with common signs including unstable relationships, identity issues, extreme mood swings, impulsive/risky actions (like self-harm or substance misuse), persistent distrust, intense fear of abandonment, difficulty with emotional regulation, problems controlling anger, lack of empathy, and trouble with boundaries or self-image.
The schizoid core in narcissism is not always easy to spot, as it is often hidden behind the more obvious traits of narcissism. These individuals may appear aloof, detached, and emotionally distant, but they are also highly sensitive to rejection and criticism.
Friedrich Nietzsche's most famous quote is arguably "That which does not kill us makes us stronger," but other extremely well-known phrases include "God is dead, and we have killed him," and "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how". These encapsulate his themes of overcoming adversity, the death of traditional values, and finding purpose.
At his time, religion had become stultified into narrow practice of rule-following and codes. Under these condition, Nietzsche observed, God becomes meaningless because ethical codes can still have force without a theistic justification.
3 Nietzsche's Four Great Errors. Nietzsche's central targets in his four errors are religion and moralities. These errors are called (1) the error of confusing cause and effect, (2) the error of false causation, (3) the error of imaginary causes, and (4) the error of free will.
Delusions may involve situations that could conceivably occur in real life, such as being followed, poisoned, infected, or loved at a distance. Less commonly, they may involve situations that are very unlikely to occur, such as having internal organs removed without leaving a scar.
Famous thinkers associated with nihilism include philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche, who explored its cultural impact, and Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev, who popularized the term; while historical figures like Buddha and King Solomon are sometimes linked, and contemporary figures like Jean Baudrillard, Emil Cioran, and literary characters (Rorschach, Tyler Durden) embody nihilistic themes, it's complex as many famous figures (like Nietzsche) critiqued it rather than fully endorsed it as a life philosophy.
Life's meaning, according to Plato, isn't a destination but a journey of continuous growth and alignment with higher principles. It's about moving from the shadows of superficial existence into the light of genuine understanding and purpose.